Other States - Orissa

Organic is in-thing

Correspondent

KORAPUT: Agriculture in Koraput is organic, according to Arabinda Padhee, Director of Agriculture. He was talking to the department officials from Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Nowrangpur districts at the special circuit house of Koraput. The tribal communities of the region, with their rich traditional practices, have been maintaining the organic value of the soil when compared other parts of the State. Hence, the drive to promote organic farming would begin from these districts, he said. The agricultural farms at Semiliguda, Rayagada and Umerkote would be the sites of research work and fields of demonstration for the organic farming. Koraput hill tract, being the place of origin for rice, traditionally rich varieties of species of rice like Kalajeera would be preserved as a part of bio-diversity conservation in the region, he said.

Farmers from the district and other places would be brought to these farms for exposure visits. Funds from BRG and NREGA would be drawn for the purpose. The farmers would also be encouraged to go for mechanised farming in their fields.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu