Govt Plans to Launch a "Climate-resilient" Natural Farming Programme in Tribal Districts

According to authorities, the Odisha government plans to launch a "climate-resilient" natural farming programme in tribal-dominated parts of five districts as a step toward sustainable agriculture.

According to them, the initiative would be carried out in partnership with the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), which was formed by the Andhra Pradesh government to adopt natural farming.

"Natural farming would gain popularity among the people, particularly in tribal-dominated parts of Odisha, because the practice is highly consistent with traditional patterns," stated Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra in a statement.

He claimed that the process will lower production costs and result in the production of safe and nutritious food items.

Natural farming is a diverse agricultural practice that does not employ synthetic chemicals such as pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. According to experts, it combines crops, trees, and livestock into the system.

The project, which will span 3.15 lakh hectares of farmland, would begin in the fiscal year 2022-23 and will cost roughly Rs 312 crore to implement over five years.

Implementation of Scheme

The scheme would be implemented through women self-help groups (WSHGs) in the districts of Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, and Koraput, according to the announcement.

The WSHGs will be taught in crop diversification, bio-input preparation, and pre-monsoon sowing. They will also be aided in the creation of common facility centers for cleaning, grading, segregation, and storage, according to the release.

Natural farming, according to Development Commissioner Pradeep Jena, would result in a "transformational change" toward sustainability.

"Because non-toxic food items are in high demand," Jena stated, "natural farming will provide more income for WSHGs."