Organic farming in Odisha - Bsc Agriculture Notes

Organic farming is the better path toward sustainable agriculture. Most states adopt Organic farming day by day. Organic farming in Odisha provides better market opportunities to organic farmer. Also initiating different policies and schemes for promoting organic farming. The article discussed various steps taken by the Odisha Government to spread awareness among the local people about the benefits of organic products and thus help in marketing.

Odisha is a farming-oriented state. About 70% of the people in Odisha depend on Farming because of the availability of proper resources. But now day farmers are using pesticides or agrochemicals to get maximum yield easily. Many Agrochemicals companies are marketing their products in Odisha. Their sales increase day by day but this use of chemicals affects the health of the people. So, in focus on this situation Government of Odisha promotes Organic farming through different policies and Schemes.

Table of Contents

Government initiative about Organic farming in Odisha

According to the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, about 95740 hectares are under organic farming in Odisha. The better reasons for organic farming are, that most of them are small and marginal farmers and suitable environmental conditions and rainfalls. Also, the Government of Odisha initiated a greater number of policies and schemes for the promotion of Organic farming. Such as Odisha Organic Mission (OOM), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, etc. And some other policies are the National Food Security Mission which is for the promotion of biofertilizers of cost Rs. 300 per hectare, and financial support is provided by the Government

Schemes related to organic farming in Odisha

OOM is an initiative for developing programs for implementing policies under organic farming. In this program, necessary administrative structures will be developed with appropriate monitoring ways at the state and district level. It is funded through PKVY (Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana), RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana), MNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), and the state plans. The objective of this mission is the adoption of organic farming in 2 lakh hectares of land within 5 years by the combination of agriculture, horticulture, pasture, and forest land.
Through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana the Government of Odisha selected 8 districts (i.e., Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Nayagarh, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar) in which 250 hectares will be allocated for organic farming. These areas are chosen as they are tribal, hilly, and rain-fed areas and the main aim is to increase the farmer’s income. The cluster formation for the organic farming groups, training, and exposure visit will be promoted through the service provider, as per the modalities of the PKVY policy. The service provider is also responsible for packaging and licensing organic produce and advertising & marketing organic products. According to the official, each group (20ha cluster) will be provided 10 lakh and it will be released in 3 phases. 1500 ha area will be considered for organic farming in 2019 and 3 crores will be spent during 2019-20 as per the budget provision. The Government has introduced Odisha Organic Farming Policy, to make farming climate resilient, reduce farmers’ risks and enhance their income.
Most farmers adopt organic farming for healthy foods. There is better market availability for organic farming also. Farmers get a good profit from organic products by selling them in the market. Organic Products are having high values as compared to inorganic products. The educated people are farming organically in their home gardens to fulfill their family needs. Famers of hilly areas are using traditional organic methods in seed treatment, Pest control, etc. They are using Panchakavya, Beejamrut, Jeevamrut, FYM, and other fertilizers made without chemicals. Also, these fertilizers are used for marketing purposes online and offline mode.

Conclusion

There will be a better future in farming can be possible with the help of organic farming. Also, it helps in the conservation of natural resources and maintaining a pleasant environment. This generation of people innovated new agricultural practices for getting maximum yield. Around 2.38% of agricultural land is used for organic farming in Odisha and it is increasing day by day as the Government provides incentives and subsidies. Also, governments, Non-Government Organizations, and Private companies initiate awareness programs and activities. Organic fruit, vegetables, and organic related products are mostly acceptable by the customers. There is a huge demand for organic products.

Article taken from Times of Agriculture Magazine

Authored by Purnananda Pardia