As per the report, 100 farmers visited district agriculture fair at Khordha in 2016 which was sponsored by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Khordha. However, the list of 100 farmers was allegedly filled with ghost farmers.
Ramesh Chandra Panda, son of Bhagirathi Panda from Nandapur village in the district is one such farmer whose name has a place in the list. But he denies visiting any such agriculture fair.
Speaking to OTV, Panda said, “I am always busy in farming. But I am not aware of any visit sponsored by the government, nor have I been ever taken to any agricultural fair in the group.”
There was something else too. Interestingly, the list of 100 farmers obtained by the RTI has one man, Bhagirathi Panda, and his 10 sons who have different surnames making them all Ramesh’s fake siblings, apparently. Ramesh denies having 10 siblings too.
Similarly, as per the RTI report, between September 7 and 11, 25 farmers from Khordha district made an exposure visit to Bolangir sponsored by the Agriculture Department in a bus (OD-02-J-7415) from Khordha. The travel agency was paid Rs 35,000 for 1250 km round trip. However, interestingly, the registration number of the bus provided in the RTI report belongs to a two-wheeler as revealed from the transport department website.
Even the travel agency named in the bill is a ghost agency and does not exist in reality, alleged the locals.
Laxmidhara Mohapatra, the RTI activist who had applied for the report, said, “When I received the report, I was dumbfounded. How on earth 25 people can ride a single bike and cover 1250kms? I enquired further and found out, there is no travel agency under the name mentioned in the RTI report.”
All this happened under Monalisha Mishra, the then Assistant Agriculture Officer (AAO) who served at Banapur block from September 19, 2016, till August 16, 2018. While she could not be contacted for comments, current AAO, Ajay Kumar Kar said, “I can’t say whether she swindled the money, but I will definitely inform this to my superiors.”
After all these RTI revelations, a Gaaon Sathi, Suresh Chandra Nayak claimed that he actually went to Bolangir in the bus. “I do not know about the RTI report, but I along with 30-40 farmers had gone to Bolangir in a bus,” he claimed.
(Reported by Shaktiprasad Mohapatra, OTV)
In sugar season (October-September) 2021-22, a record over 5,000 lakh metric tons (LMT) sugarcane was produced in the country, out of which about 3,574 LMT was crushed by sugar mills to produce about 394 LMT of sugar (sucrose). Out of this, 35 LMT sugar was diverted to ethanol production and 359 LMT sugar was produced by sugar mills.
As per Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the season has proven to be a watershed for the Indian sugar sector. All records of sugarcane production, sugar production, sugar exports, cane procured, cane dues paid, and ethanol production were made during the season.
Another highlight of the season is the highest exports of about 109.8 LMT that too with no financial assistance which was being extended upto 2020-21. Supportive international prices and the Indian government policy led to this feat of Indian sugar industry. These exports earned foreign currency of about Rs 40,000 crore for the country.
The success story of the sugar industry is the outcome of synchronous and collaborative efforts of Central and state governments, farmers, sugar mills, ethanol distilleries with a very supportive overall ecosystem for business in the country. Timely government interventions since the last 5 years have been crucial in building the sugar sector step by step from taking them out of financial distress in 2018-19 to the stage of self-sufficiency in 2021-22.
Officials said that during SS 2021-22, sugar mills procured sugarcane worth more than Rs 1.18 lakh crore and released payment of more than Rs 1.12 lakh crore with no financial assistance (subsidy) from the Centre. Thus, cane dues at the end of sugar season are less than Rs 6,000 crore indicating that 95 per cent of cane dues have already been cleared. It is also noteworthy that for SS 2020-21, more than 99.9 per cent cane dues are cleared.
As per the data available with the regional centre of India Meteorological Department, Bhubaneswar, till June 30, the State received 131.3 mm rainfall against the normal 217.7 mm. It means, the State received 40 percent less rainfall in June.
The matter of concern is that not a single district received normal or surplus rainfall during the period.
Of the 30 districts, there are eight such districts that received below 50 percent rainfall. They are Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Khurda, Bhadrak and Bolangir.
What is surprising is the situation in Puri where there has not been a single good spell of rain in the season so far. The coastal district has become the victim of being the worst affected district with 86 percent deficient rainfall.
Likewise, Kendrapara, Sundargarh and Jagatsinghgpur have also recorded rainfall deficiency of above 60 percent.
As of now, farmers in these districts are in a state of worry. They are sure that farming will largely be affected if the situation does not improve in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the prediction of the weathermen has brought solace to the despondent farmers. According to the weather bureau, the possibility of formation of low-pressure area in the next 24 hours and another one by July 10 are likely to improve the rainfall deficiency situation in the State.
“If back-to-back two low-pressures form over the State, they will compensate the rainfall deficiency,” observed Dr Sanjeev Dwivedy, a scientist at Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre.
With the monsoon rain making a detour of the State, the agricultural activities haven’t gathered pace as they should have achieved in the month of July. At many places, cracked paddy fields with un-germinated seeds are a sorry spectacle for farmers while at other places farmers are yet to prepare nurseries.
“The present situation portends a drought for the State. The questions like how we will grow paddy and feed our families are haunting us,” said Harihar Tiadi, a farmer of Soro in Balasore district.
Another farmer Ramakanta Mohanty of Balakati area, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, said, “By now, transplantation of paddy saplings would have finished. But the rainfall deficiency has come as a spoilsport.”
The Union road transport and highways minister said the country imports petroleum products worth Rs 10 lakh crore to meet the requirements in the energy and power sector, and in the next five years, the demand may go up to Rs 25 lakh crore, which will affect the economy.
Gadkari was speaking at the state-level Sugar Conference 2022 organised by Vasantdada Sugar Institute in Pune.
"Alternative fuel is the future. After electric scooters, cars and buses, soon we will have electric tractors and trucks. I am going to launch these soon," Gadkari said.
Diesel-based agriculture equipment should be made petrol based and flex engines can be converted to run on ethanol, he said, adding that efforts are on to introduce ethanol in construction equipment as well.
Highlighting the need to shift from sugar production to ethanol, the minister said, The rise in sugar demand across the globe is temporary. When the price of crude oil goes up to 140 per barrel, Brazil produces ethanol from sugarcane, increasing the demand for sugar from India. When the price of crude oil dips to 70 to 80 per barrel, Brazil starts producing sugar." When crude oil becomes cheaper, sugar prices will also come down drastically, he said.
Gadkari also asked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to set up ethanol pumps in Pune, to help farmers sell the fuel directly.
"We have decided to add 20 per cent ethanol in petrol in our country. Accordingly, we will need 1,000 crore litres of ethanol. Our sugar factories don't have the capacity to produce that amount of fuel. Sugarcane prices will not come down in the near future, but sugar prices may drop. Hence, it is time that the sugar industry switches to ethanol. We have to talk to the petroleum minister and find a way," the minister said.
Speaking at the event, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said the area under sugarcane will increase in the future and hence, planning for the harvest of the crop should be done at the start of the season.
"Harvesting and transportation of sugarcane has become a serious issue. The Sugar Commissionerate and sugar factories should have proper plans in place and implement them strictly, he said.
Pawar further said the Central government needs to take strategic decisions to increase the storage capacity of ethanol and for that, the policy of oil companies needs to be more favourable in terms of investment, planning for rail transport and purchase of the fuel.
The scarcity of coal in the country has led to a decrease in power generation, which in turn has affected industries and agriculture, he said.
Sugarcane bagasse can generate 3,600 MW electricity. At present, there are 2,470 MW co-generation projects in Maharashtra. Even if we give 65 to 70 per cent of the power to MSEDCL, the state government can get about 1,660 MW of power. For this, urgent measures need to be taken to set up a bagasse-based project," Pawar said.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who addressed the conference virtually, said sugar producers in the state were facing several problems.
"We have to follow Brazil for market research. They (Brazil) conduct surveys and accordingly choose a crop in a year. Times are changing and accordingly, we should adopt technology. The future will be ethanol," Thackeray said.
Sugarcane workers are important, and the Gopinath Ustod Kamgar Mahamandal has been formed to help resolve issues faced by them, he said.
The chief minister further said cultivators must consider adopting micro-irrigation for sugarcane crop, as water is a valuable resource and rainfall is unpredictable.
If you are living in villages or have been to country side, you are familiar to the scene of farmers beating out grains from the harvested crops using bullocks, tractors or power tillers. But the scene of motorcycles being used for the same purpose is quite unfamiliar even to those who live in villages.
When asked how the idea of using motorcycles in agricultural activities struck their minds, pat came their reply. “We don’t have enough cattle nor can we afford the rent of power tiller or tractor. It was when the time to beat the crops arrived we started exploring options. And then the idea of using motorcycles came to our minds,” they said.
“Now we have also realised the virtue of using motorcycles. What we have known from our experience is that the time consumption is less when we use motorcycles. By using motorcycles, we can beat out grains from crops in half of the total time required in the traditional method of using cattle,” they observed.
These young farmers’ unique method of beating the crops has recently become the talk of the area.
Civil Supplies and Cooperation Minister, Surya Narayan Patro on Friday informed that smartphones will be provided to nearly 2,000 farmers in each district.
“Already a budgetary provision of Rs 3 crore has been made for providing smartphones to farmers in Odisha,” said Patro.
A high-level committee has also been formed for successful implementation of the scheme.
Earlier last year, Odisha government had provided around 60,000 mobile phones to farmers through Regulated Marketing Committees (RMCs).
Also Read: OTV Exclusive: BJD leader threatens Kotagarh BDO; locks him in office
Under the scheme, the farmers are being provided updates in Odia language on prevailing market prices of different agricultural produce.
(Photo source: IMKT.com)
Speaking on the sidelines of a discussion in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik said, “Across the country a trend is observed that farmers are taking their lives due to different reasons. But it has not been proved yet that agriculture is the sole reason behind their deaths.”
An expert organization has been appointed to undertake a study of farmer deaths so that changes to the policy can be made, he informed.
“Besides, farmers are taking up commercial farming these days, which is why they take agricultural loans at a higher rate. However, when they fail to repay the loans, they get disturbed mentally and take the extreme step,” the Union Agriculture Secretary explained.
He lauded the Odisha government’s work in agriculture sector and said the State's agricultural productivity is almost coming in line with the national average.
The Union Agriculture Secretary suggested farmers of the State to get involved in cultivating high-value horticulture crops.
https://youtu.be/rmxJsxvOigo
Earlier on Friday, Collector Khagendra Kumar Padhi along with SP Jugal Kishore Banoth visited the family members of the Brunda Sahu.
On Thursday, a three-member team of the district administration led by the Tehsildar visited both the house and the farm land of Sahu for an on-the-spot inquiry. Later, Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout had sought an inquiry report from the district Collector.
It may be mentioned here that Sahu had committed suicide by consuming poison in his farm land on Wednesday after setting his pest-infested crops on fire on the previous day. The incident has triggered political outcry and blame game in the state. Leaders of various political parties and farmers' outfits are frequently visiting the family members of the deceased farmer.
Meanwhile, the Congress blamed both the state government and Centre for the incident and demanded Rs 20 lakh compensation to the family of the deceased.
https://youtu.be/Bk0ZEmlDCAY
As many as 10 districts of the state have received deficit rainfall between 19 per cent and 39 per cent during the period, said the Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office.
The districts include Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Bargarh, Subarnapur, Nuapada, Jajpur, Bolangir, Boudh, Angul and Dhenkanal with Boudh receiving the lowest rainfall of 192 mm during the month of August, sources said.
Generally, the farmers sow seeds in June after monsoon showers and both transplantation and intercultural operations are undertaken in July. However, with deficit rainfall, farm lands had gone dry in these districts leading to drought-like conditions.
According to latest reports of the Met Department, the state is likely to experience rainfall before September 15 as a result of low pressure.
“Even if it rains in off season, it is difficult to do farming. The cows are grazing in the field. We don’t know what to do,” said a farmer.
Gajapati and Ganjam districts received surplus rainfall of more than 19 per cent during the period from June 1 to August 31, sources said.
18 districts which received normal rainfall are Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Khurda, Koraput, Puri, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Jagatsinghpur, Sundargarh, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Nayagarh, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur and Bhadrak during this period.
As per a report of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), ten districts of Odisha registered 19 to 39 per cent less rainfall than the normal between June and August.
In absence of proper irrigation facilities, farmers especially in Boudh, Sonepur, Bolangir districts of western Odisha apprehend drought like situation. With no other option left, they have started organising special worship to invoke the rain God.
Patnagarh of Bolangir, which is considered to be the drought-hit area, has only three per cent irrigated lands while rest are irrigated with pump sets.
Under severe mental agony, farmers are seriously thinking to migrate to other States in search of a job. “How can I sustain my family under such condition? The government should compensate us during such agrarian crisis. Otherwise, we would be forced to migrate outside the State to work as daily wage labourer,” said Drupad Bhoi, a farmer of Patnagarh.
In some other places, farmers have taken to streets demanding that their areas should be declared as drought-affected.
In Nuapada district, situation has become worse due to a summer-like heat that dashed the hopes of farmers.
“We have no other option other than the government help,” said Digeswar Nag, a peasant in Nuapada district.
Apprehending drought, the Bolangir district administration have started assessing losses. “We have reports of scanty rainfall in some areas of the district. The officials concerned have been asked to assess the losses and report. The process is on,” Bolangir Collector Ashish Thakre said.
https://youtu.be/0ATxdPaK9xg
A drought-like situation looms large in four out of five blocks in Titlagarh. Shortfall in rain has turned the farmlands parched.
With no option left, villagers have resorted to age old practice of performing yajna to please the God of rains – Indra!
“We are bearing the brunt of drought since last three years. This year in July initially some rains helped us row paddy but ever since it has been quite dry with very less rain. We also have a canal in the area but our villages do not have access to its water so seedlings have not sprouted raising concern of a ‘gaja marudi’,” Arjun Kumar Mishra, a Sanamula resident said.
“Hoping for some miracle, we villagers unanimously decided to hold pujas to invoke Lord Indra so that we get rains to cultivate land,” he added.
Meanwhile, district agriculture department sources said even if it rains within the next week, the situation could improve.
“Barring Tureikela, four other blocks of the sub-division have received 40 to 60 percent deficit rainfall till now. Even though we had completed rowing, processes like transplantation and intercultural operations (beusan) are still to be done and we hope if it rains in the next week, we can start the process,” District Agriculture Officer Chittaranjan Sahu, said.
As many as six districts - Nuapada, Kandhamal, Bolangir, Dhenkanal, Angul and Bargarh - had received 30% and 54% deficit rainfall during the month, an official of the Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office said.
Among the affected districts, Nuapada received the lowest rainfall with a deficit of 54%, while Kandhamal district registered a deficit rainfall of 39%, Bolangir 38%, Dhenkanal 33%, Angul 32% and Bargarh 30% deficit rainfall during July, sources added.
Earlier, the Met department had predicted sufficient rainfall in the season. However, the amount of rainfall halved during June, leading to serious drought-like conditions.
“Generally, we sow seeds in June after monsoon showers and both transplantation and intercultural operations are undertaken in July. With insufficient rainfall last month, our farm lands have gone dry,” said a distressed farmer.
On a special programme organised by OTV on the occasion of completion of 3-years of Modi sarkar on Friday, Congress leader Biswaranjan Mohanty criticised the Centre for falsely propagating its success story.
When will the ‘ache din’ come for the farmers as promised by the Prime Minister at a major farmers’ convention held in Bargarh in February last year? The Congress leader alleged that Modi government is ‘Suit Boot Ki Sarkar’ and has failed to bring ache din for the farmers across the country.
While the Centre is busy publicising its success, the number of farmers who committed suicides has increased from 12,360 in 2014 to 14,000 in 2016.
Also Read: BJD-BJP tussle over farmers plight
“On an average 35 farmers are committing suicides in the country. The Modi government through its decision of insurance has collected Rs 17,000 crore by collecting two percent premium from farmers while only Rs 6,000 has been disbursed as compensation. The remaining profit of Rs 10,000 has gone to the insurance companies,” said Mohanty.
BJD leader Tejeswar Parida on the other hand targeted BJP government for its failure in increasing the farmers income, hike in MSP, irrigation facilities.
“Odisha is staring at a bleak future as nearly 50 percent paddy would be unsold if there would be no procurement this year. At present Odisha is producing nearly 45 lakh MT tonnes annually against the total requirement of 22 lakh MT tonnes while FCI is procuring 23 lakh MT tonnes,” said Parida.
BJP on the other hand targeted BJD over its failure in utilisation of funds and implementation of various central schemes successfully in the State.
Speaking at the OTV discussion, senior BJP leader Golak Mohapatra alleged that Centre had released Rs 20.34 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Yojna in 2015-16 while Odisha government has only spent Rs 5 crore.
Similarly, Rs 29 crores were released under the scheme in 2016-17 and so far only Rs 7 crore has been spent by Odisha government as per the RTI data.
“It is the responsibility of State Governments to ensure proper implementation of the central sponsored schemes. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government has come up with over 242 schemes in the last three years,” said Mohapatra.
Mohapatra further said that the Modi led government is a transparent government working for the poor in the country.
Maharathy informed the House that as compared to 2014, 59% more land has been brought under potato cultivation in 2015, stating further that as per estimates, potato production is likely to increase 20% this year.
Also Read: BJP activists hurl eggs at Maharathy’s vehicle, 8 detained
“Potato mission has not failed. With cooperation from farmers of the state, the total cultivated land continues to increase. In 2014-15, potato was cultivated in 15,805 hectare land and it increased to 25,123 hectare. Last year potato production increased but it could not be sold at the optimum price. If the weather is conducive next year and the land maintains fertility level, then we will make arrangement provisions for production of potato seeds” says Maharathy.
According to a General Administration notification, Ahuja has been posted as Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture.
Besides, the state government posted Gagan Dhal appointed as Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) and ChandrasekharKumar as Managing Director, Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation (OMFED).
While Vir Vikram Yadav has been appointed as secretary, Science and Technology, Hari Ballav Mishra will take charge as Director, Agriculture, the notification added.
Inaugurating "Agro-Vation" organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce at Janata Maidan here today, he said the backbone of any agricultural revolution is access of farmers to modern agricultural inputs like knowledge and technology.
Also Read: Agriculture as an occupation losing lure in Odisha
“The impact of the agricultural transformation agenda has been huge for Odisha. Odisha has earned laurels at the national level by bagging the fourth 'Krishi Karmana Award' in 5 years for record food grain production and recently it is conferred with the 9th Global Agriculture Leadership Award-2016 given by Indian Council of Food and Agriculture in the category of Best Agriculture State-2016, he added.
Congratulating the department as well as hard working farmers of the state, the Governor said the success was possible for successfully launching large number of pro-farmer programmes to revitalize agriculture in the state leading to higher growth rate, improved farm income and accelerated pace of overall agriculture development and bringing rural prosperity.
Stressing upon food processing sector, Jamir said increased literacy rate, change in life style and mass media promotion are among the major contributors to the growing demands of processed food in the country. Increasing preference of urban consumers for processed food should be kept in mind.
Stating that the Indian food processing sector has enormous potential in terms of production, consumption, export and growth prospects, he said the Centre has made the commercialization of the country's food processing sector the first priority with various fiscal incentives. He urged the companies willing to invest in food processing and packaging sector to come forward and be a part of growth process as the sector is growing 15%-10% annually.
“Modernization and digitization of agriculture sector will harness toward transformation. A large number of technologies are available now. These are required to be transferred to farmers' field”, Jamir said. He called upon to provide the farmers access to the latest innovations and technologies.
In his address, Principal Secretary, MSME, LN Gupta highlighted the efforts of the state government to harness the potential of the sector.
Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment, Manoj Ahuja focused on the initiatives taken by the government for the growth of agriculture sector.
Among others, Rupak Barua, summit chairman, Indian Chambers of Commerce, Prof Surendranath Pasupalak, Vice-Chancellor, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Prof Swapan Kumar Dutta and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Viswa Bharati University, also spoke.
The Governor inaugurated an exhibition organised on the occasion.
Food and Supplies minister Sanjay Dasburma alleged that the Central government has slashed the kerosene quota for the state to the extent of 4, 632 kilo litres in July. Earlier, it had reduced 4, 872 kilo litres in April this year and 1, 020 kilo litres in April last year from the state’s entitlement of kerosene, he said.
“It is unfortunate. We are unable to accept the way the Central government has slashed the kerosene quota to Odisha in three phases. This has hit the beneficiaries in Odisha hard,’’ Dasburma said.
Though the Centre had announced implementation of direct benefit transfer (DBT) in kerosene, it has not yet given the state the required Aadhar data, the minister alleged.
On his part, Agriculture minister Pradip Maharathy said while Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked big at the farmers’ convention in Bargarh, his government has imposed heavy cuts in agricultural assistance due to the state.
“In the last two years, we have been deprived of roughly Rs 1002.38 crores out of our share of Central funds, which has affected the growth of agriculture and farmers in the state. Bada Bada baat, kaam chhota (“Big talk, but small work”),” Maharathy said.
The biggest cut of Rs 221 crores had come in the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, followed by Rs 83 crores in the National Food Security Mission and Rs 100 crores in the Integrated Watershed Management scheme, the minister said.
Pooh-poohing the BJD charge, BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma accused it of trying to mislead the people.
“The state government has nothing better to do than complain and mislead. The Centre has not slashed money under any scheme. Rather, it has increased in comparison to the assistance in the past. Odisha needs to be protected from the pollution caused by kerosene. That is why Centre is making sure that Odisha gets more gas,” Sharma said.
With the BJP shedding its diffidence in taking on the BJD government, the ruling party in the state has been steadily upping the ante against the Centre over the last few weeks.
In March last year, OERC had increased the tariff for electricity used for agricultural purpose by 40 paise a unit - a rise of 36 per cent for 2015-16. Since the regulatory body has not increased the tariff for the sector, it would continue for the coming financial yea too.
But after the OERC’s tariff revision, Energy minister Pranab Prakash Das had assured that the State government would move the OERC to roll back the hike for the farm sector.
On March 30, 2015, after a debate over the issue in the Assembly, Energy minister Pranab Prakash Das had told reporters, "The energy department has decided to file a review petition in the OERC. We will seek a roll back of the hike announced for the farm sector keeping in view the farmers' interest. The State government will request OERC to adjust the hike through cross subsidy tariff order."
What has irked the consumer federation is the fact that the State government has failed to keep its promise on the issue though one year has passed and the OERC has already announced the tariff for the ensuing financial year.
“The State government, after a scathing attack from the Opposition wanted to show that it is with the farmers and promised to urge OERC for a roll back in power tariff for the farm sector. But what is the result? Where have the rosy words of the government gone?” asked Electricity Consumers' Association president Ramesh Satapathy.
The consumers’ body has threatened to take the issue to streets.
“We will expose the State government’s lackadaisical approach towards the farming community by raising the issue across Odisha. In some cases, this has led to farmer suicides in the State,” Electricity Consumers Association secretary Ravi Das stated.
Interestingly, when OERC officials were approached to find out about the fate of the State government’s appeal regarding the power tariff roll back, they said the requisition was not fulfilling the criteria.
“The approach lacked a legal framework and that’s why OERC didn’t consider it,” Priyabrata Pattnaik, Director, Regulatory Affairs (OERC), said.
Meanwhile, the state government, already on back foot in the farmer suicide cases, has said it is working to resolve the matter.
“BJD government is pro-farmer and we are working to solve it as soon as possible,” BJD legislator Dibya Shankar Mishra said.
At the first Agriculture Cabinet meet on Thursday, the Finance, Agriculture and other concerned departments have been asked to increase the spending for Agriculture sector.
“The Agriculture Cabinet Committee has directed the Planning & Coordination department, Finance department, Agriculture and Farmers empowerment department, and other related departments to enhance the outlay of the Agriculture budget" said chief minister Naveen Patnaik after the meeting.
The discussions at the meeting chaired by chief minister Naveen Patnaik, revealed that the government’s focus will be on creating additional irrigation potential of the State and the extent to which funds already allocated for the purpose have been utilized. “The focus areas of the agriculture budget will be to increase the area under irrigation and reduce the gap between irrigation potential available in the State and the actual area brought under irrigation so far," added Patnaik.
Assistance to farmers affected by natural disaster, provision of loans for farmers, enhancement of productivity, usage of modern technology and equipment are also some of the other areas which the budget will lay emphasis, said sources.
Moreover, post-harvest management – sale and storage- will also see increase focus in the upcoming budget.
On the other hand, the opposition parties have mocked the Agriculture Cabinet, alleging that the State government has grossly failed in ensuring agriculture and farmers’ development. “The State government should first change its viewpoint and it has to people and farmer-centric. We need such a change in outlook, not an Agriculture Cabinet,” said BJP’s Sajjan Sharma.
"The Agriculture Policy is still a dream and the report of the Agriculture Commission has been put in cold storage. The chief minister is only fooling the farmers of the State through his eloquent dialogues. If the government can ensure proper implementation then it will be successful, else this Agriculture Cabinet will be just another facade," said Orissa Pradesh Kissan Khet Mazdoor Sangh chairman Amiya Patnaik.
Inaugurating a workshop on Smart Horticulture 2016, the union minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to Krishi Sinchai Yojana and crop insurance.
"All the measures will be taken for the benefit of farmers. We have discussed with agriculture scientists regarding welfare programmes today," Kundaria said.
The union minister also stressed organic farming and setting up of more cold stores in the State.
Odisha Agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathy, who attended the event, said that State government is trying to set up more cold stores for preservation of food items.
"Work on 42 cold stores is on in the state. Construction of 24 cold stores will be completed by the end of this year. Three cold stores - one each at Champua, Rayagada and Titilagarh - will be inaugurated by the end of this month," Maharathy said.
Modi said the hardworking farmers have made record production of commodities despite the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"With the ever increasing agricultural production, there is a need of post-harvest revolution and value addition," Modi said in a message to commemorate the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development's foundation day, which was read out at an event hosted by the state-run lender.
"We are striving relentlessly to intensify our speed and scale to achieve this. We have been taking comprehensive steps to get a complete solution, from irrigation to sowing, harvesting and earnings that are technology enabled," he added.
Last year, the union government passed three new farm laws but its implementation has been postponed amid farmers' protest. However, in January this year, the Supreme Court had stayed the implementation of the three laws till further orders and appointed a four-member panel to resolve the impasse. Modi had also promised to double farmers' incomes by 2022.
The Prime Minister said the government's focus is to encourage youth and promote startups associated with the agricultural sector.
"We are giving the impetus to create a scientific ecosystem, speed up development according to the wishes and expectations of the villages and transform the agricultural sector of the economy through holistic approach," he added.
The PM said a self-reliant rural economy is necessary for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' or self-reliant India, and added that the government has taken concrete measures over the last seven years for the same.
The government is committed to empower close to 12 crore small farmers and help them become the driving force of the rural economy, he added.
"After a one day workshop-cum-interactive programme here on Thursday, it was decided to set up an "Agar Conservation Foundation" division under the Forest Department to promote cultivation of Agar trees to boost employment and to earn foreign money," Tripura Forest and Tribal Welfare Minister Mevar Kumar Jamatia told the media.
He said that by extensive cultivation of Agar trees, the state government is keen to boost the trade of Agar oil, a main ingredient of perfume manufacturing industry.
Agar wood has also been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years and continues to be used in Ayurvedic medicines, said Pawan K. Kaushik, scientist at Forest Research Centre for Livelihood Extension here.
"Agar oil is an export-oriented product and the demand is very high in the international market. The large gap in the demand-supply situation is due to the scarcity of raw materials, lack of favourable policy and schemes, and also due to lack of infrastructure and machinery for extraction of oil," he said.
The Forest Minister said that Tripura's capital Agartala was named after the Agar tree but now it is hardly found here or in other parts of the state.
"Some Agar trees are available in Agartala and other parts of the state but the owners are not getting proper economic support due to various reasons, including proper scientific processing and value addition," he said.
"Extensive cultivation of Agar trees would bring economic empowerment to the people, including the tribals, and boost rural livelihood. The government has been working on identifying the issues and opportunities to develop this high-potential sector for the benefit of people," Jamatia added.
"The very idea of this book is to present a report to the people because I believe in public life hence there should be transparency and accountability," Naidu said while launching his book "Moving On... Moving Forward: A Year In Office".
The book was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of former Prime Ministers H.D. Deve Gowda and Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Union Minister Arun Jaitely, among others.
Naidu also urged to focus more on agriculture and said that instead of depending on import products, the people must adopt the culture of growing product in their land.
Addressing the media here on Thursday evening, Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that both leaders expressed satisfaction at the growth of bilateral trade.
India-South Africa trade stood at a little over $4.1 billion till the end of August last year.
"Among the areas the Prime Minister said the South African companies should be exploring in India are defence, food processing and health insurance," Gokhale said.
The two sides signed three agreements on cooperation in exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, setting up of Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela Centre of specialisation for artisan skills, and agricultural research and education.
This was Modi's first meeting with Ramaphosa after the latter assumed office in February this year.
The accord, signed by ENI's CEO Claudio Descalzi and the research council's President Massimo Inguscio, covers four areas of high scientific and strategic interest: nuclear fusion, water, agriculture and the Arctic ecosystem, ENI said in a statement.
Under the accord, ENI and CNR will combine their strong technological research and development capabilities by establishing four joint research centers, investing 20 million euros over a period of five years.
"This agreement is a significant step for Eni towards the development and implementation of increasingly efficient energy-generating technologies that are sustainable and accessible to a growing number of people," said Descalzi.
"Collaboration with a prestigious research center such as the CNR will allow us to conduct in-depth studies which have immediate repercussions on both the ecosystem and private companies," he added.
The joint research will focus on water and agriculture to achieve purification and reuse of the hydric resource and sustainable food production; nuclear fusion; latest generation superconductor materials; and plasma technologies able to produce virtually unlimited clean energy, said Inguscio.
"The National Research Council, together with Eni, aims at accelerating the development of new technologies that can tackle global challenges, such as the relationship between energy, water, food and the environment, with solutions that are efficient, clean and with a low water footprint," he said.
A total 90 per cent of global power production requires a significant use of water, but water is also vital for agricultural development (70 per cent of global water use) and its availability is under stress in various areas of the world, also due to climate change, ENI noted.
"In last 25 years, particularly since the beginning of economic reforms in 1991, we have seen some sort of transformation in almost all sectors of Indian economy except agriculture," he said at an event here.
"If you look at agriculture, except some pockets here and there, the agriculture sector largely did not see any kind of transformation even with the process of economic reforms," Chand added.
He said the reason behind this was that regulatory reforms had been very slow, patchy and diluted when it comes to agriculture.
Because of this, Chand added, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the NITI Aayog "to do something to bring about transformation in agriculture and doubling of farmer income".
He said that the NITI Aayog had prepared a comprehensive reform agenda to achieve these goals covering marketing and other areas.
"The main emphasis in reforms in agricultural marketing was to facilitate and incentivise the private sector to enter the area of agriculture marketing; to create a favourable environment for private sector in processing, cold storage, logistics and other kind of infrastructure; and even direct purchase by private sector," Chand said.
Besides, large tracts of agricultural land have remained uncultivated for the past several years despite the claim of the Odisha government that it is committed to the growth of the sector, which is the mainstay of the statea¿s economy.
While the contribution of agriculture sector to the GSDP was 56.10 per cent during 1950-51, it has decreased to 15.4 percent in 2014-15. It was 16.3 percent in 2013-14, said a report submitted by the state government to the NITI Aayog.
The report said while per capita availability of land, water and other resources in the state continue to decline, the occurrence of various biotic (insect and diseases) and abiotic stresses (flood, drought, cyclone, etc.) are on the rise.
Odisha has a cultivated area of 61.80 lakh hectares.
The decline in the GDSP was despite launching of a number of social security schemes, the introduction of farm mechanisation and provision for a separate agriculture budget by the state government since 2013-14.
"About 2/3rd of the gross cropped area of the state is rain-fed and depends on monsoon. Frequent occurrences of natural calamities like flood, drought, cyclone, etc. with erratic climatic conditions are likely to have an adverse impact on the crop production system. Besides, 70 per cent of the soils are acidic in nature resulting in less crop productivity, especially in legumes," said the report.
It said nearly 4 lakh hectares of cultivable land is exposed to saline inundation, 3.54 lakh to floods and 0.75 lakh hectares in the delta areas to water-logging.
Per capita availability of cultivated land is 0.15 hectare, and the average size of operational holdings is 1.04 hectare which is too less for profitable agriculture. Out of the 46.67 lakh operational holdings, the marginal and smallholdings account for 91.8 per cent, medium holdings for 8 per cent and large holdings only for 0.2 per cent in the state (2010-11 statistics).
"Prevalence of poor economic condition among farmers stands as a stumbling block in the way of modern crop husbandry. That too, exodus of the work force from agriculture to non-agriculture activities and the problem of absentee landlordism along with sub-optimal use of land for cultivation purposes hinders the process of agriculture development," said the report.
Of the total cultivable land of the state, irrigation potential has been developed for 29.62 lakh hectare in Kharif and 14.77 lakh hectare in Rabi season.
However, the state government said it was taking measures in this regard.
"We are taking a number of steps to increase production in the agriculture sector. While irrigation facilities are being addressed, we are providing cheap loans and subsidies for farm mechanisation," Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy told IANS.
He said the state government has decided to bring a new land leasing bill this monsoon session to safeguard the interest of sharecroppers.
The government is also taking steps to increase production in allied sectors even though paddy cultivation continues to be the main focus.
Notably, paddy remains the highest cultivated crop while cultivation of economy crops like oilseed, pulses, sugarcane, vegetable and fiber crops is not encouraging.
The present gross cropped area under horticulture is 13.61 lakh hectares, which is about 20 percent of the net shown area.
A ground zero report of OTV from Kuchinda region of Sambalpur found several acres of paddy fields affected by brown plant hoppers. Surprisingly, farmers here have once again raised questions over the quality of pesticides being made available to them.
"A few days earlier we were expecting a huge harvest, however due to rain and now chakada pest attack has broken our backbone," lamented Sukanta Patel, a local farmer.
However, deputy director of Agriculture department, Sambalpur, Khagendra Jena said that the required pesticides are being made available to farmers and the situation is under control now.
On the other hand, after OTV reported pest attack in Kudasingha village in Bolangir district, the concerned agriculture officer visited the region to take stock of the situation and later admitted that there is a shortage of subsidised government-supply pesticides in the district due to which farmers are buying it from the open market which is not effective.
"Pesticides will reach today. We couldn't supply the pesticides as there were no supplies," said Pramod Kumar Badapanda, assistant agriculture officer, Bolangir.
Moreover, secretary of Agriculture department, Saurabh Garg said "The pest attack is presently isolated and of low intensity. All (agriculture officers) have been directed to remain alert and in case of any problem, we will inform the farmers."
"Do not ashame me by referring that I am most able minister in the state. I am, in fact, the most inefficient and helpless minister in the government," Rout said in the assembly while replying an adjournment debate on closure of sugar mills causing frustration among farmers.
Rout having 40-years experience in politics, said he had brought laurels for the state as Pancahayati Raj, Agriculture and other ministers.
"But, I have "failed" in the Cooperation department," Rout said.
Rout, who hold the Cooperation portfolio said: "I am pained that most of the members of this House refer me as the most efficient. But, in reality, I am not because of the hurdles being put on my way."
Though the entire House including leader of opposition Narasingha Mishra of Congress, was surprised over Rout's statement, he went on speaking that it was very difficult to run a "democratic government under bureaucratic influence."
The minister said he did not get adequate support from the bureaucracy to take up welfare programmes, be it revival of defunct sugar mills or cold storages which could help farmers to a great extent.
"Had we sufficient cold storages, our farmers will not go for distress sale of vegetables besides potatoes and tomatoes," Rout said adding that he now tries to set up cold storages with help of RMC (regulated market committee).
The minister also said that though he has a lot of ideas to help the farmers and make Cooperation department viable, he could not do it because of the lack of "attitude and cooperation" from the bureaucracy.
Rout also admitted in the House that the farmers are under duress for closure of sugar mills and cold storages.
Also Read: Din continues in Odisha Assembly over farmer suicides
Earlier, Leader of Opposition Naraisngha Mishra of Congress had alleged that the state government failed to help the sugarcane farmers across the state. He said the farmers do not get their dues from the sugar mills run by the cooperative societies.
Rout said there are five sugar mills in the state of which only two were in operation. Remaining three sugar mills have been closed due to several factors and his efforts to revive such units has faced hurdles from the bureaucracy.
The minister, however, assured the House that he would again try to make such defunct sugar mills operational.
"In Balasore, there is drinking water shortage. I will do my best to see that the people of my constituency get it," Sarangi, known for riding bicycle and leading a simple life, told IANS.
On giving impetus to the tourism sector, Sarangi said: "Very few know about the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. It is known for elephants and if this place is developed, it will promote tourism and provide employment to many youth."
On the BJP's performance in the State, the social worker attributed it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Even the Odia youth have understood what does a strong leadership means for a country, surrounded by neighbours like China and Pakistan," he said.
"The Modi wave had swayed Odisha and the charisma of the Prime Minister has made a big impact on the people. Next time, we will form the government in the state as well," Sarangi said with confidence.
Sarangi was adjudged the 'Best Politician' at OTV's Odisha Citizen Awards-2017.
In the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections in the state, the BJD won 12 seats, the BJP 8 and the Congress one.
[With IANS Inputs]
The Odisha government has claimed that it has disbursed cash under Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme to 50 lakh farmers till now. However, for inclusion in PM-KISAN scheme, a list of only 12,45,000 farmers has been sent to the Centre, out of which money could not be transferred to the bank accounts of nearly 3 lakh farmers due to lack of Aadhaar-linking and other reasons. As a result, many farmers in the State have received financial assistance under KALIA scheme, but not a penny under the PM-Kisan scheme.
“We used Rs 5000 that we received under KALIA scheme, but didn’t receive any money under PM-Kisan Yojana,” a farmer in Dharmagada, Pushtam Naik said.
Another farmer from Bhogarai in Balasore, Rabindra Jena said, “I have not received Rs 2000 which I was supposed to get under PM-Kisan Yojana. It would be of big help if that amount is disbursed.”
Union Agriculture secretary has demanded the list of 46 lakh small and marginal farmers from the Odisha government by July 31. On being asked about the inclusion of the farmers in the list, Odisha Agriculture minister Arun Sahu failed to come up with a clear reply.
“According to 2011 Agriculture census, a target was set to provide assistance to 46 lakh small and marginal farmers but no target was given for inclusion of large farmers. The Centre has asked for the list by July 31,” Sahu said.
According to the website of PM-Kisan, first instalment has been credited to the bank accounts of 9,36,139 farmers, whereas no farmers from Balasore, Berhampur and Bhawanipatna have been included. The website mentioning 33 districts of Odisha instead of 30 has also created confusion.
Responding to these queries, BJP said that the State government didn’t send the complete list of farmers due to elections, but now it should send the list soon.
Odisha BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty said, “Scared of PM Modi’s popularity, the BJD-led Odisha government didn’t send the list of farmers. It should go beyond politics and think about the welfare of the farmers.”
Meanwhile, Odisha government has allocated an additional Rs 3,234 crore for covering more farmers under the KALIA scheme during 2019-20, officials said on Friday.
Under the scheme, farmers get Rs 5,000 financial assistance per crop season. A farmer household is entitled to get Rs 10,000 per year for two crops (Kharif and Rabi), they said.
According to a notification issued by the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment department, in accordance with the state Cabinet's decision on May 29 to include 32.34 lakh additional beneficiaries under the scheme, more funds are being made available to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries get benefit.
A detailed analysis of the Eco-Survey brings to fore the devil.
As per the Eco-Survey 18-19, the Gross Value Added (GVA) by crop sector (means crop farmers) in 2011-12 had been Rs 25, 55,039 lakh or Rs 25, 550.03 crore. The GVA in 2018-19 had been a mere Rs 28,03,257 lakh or 28, 032.57 crore. The growth over the period is mere 9.7 per cent, and the average growth per year is a meagre 1.2 per cent when the average rate of inflation for the period had been around 6-7 per cent.
Now, consider this. The aquaculture sector in State had the GVA of Rs 2,68,365 lakh or Rs 2, 683.65 crore in 2011-12. The GVA of the sector in 2018-19 was Rs 5,93,659 lakh or Rs 5, 963.59 crore. The GVA had posted a whopping 121 per cent growth during the period. The average growth rate per year then was around 15 per cent. In contrast the rate of inflation was around 6-7 per cent for the period of 2011-12 to 18-19.
Similarly, the GVA of the livestock sector, that includes dairy and poultry, in 2011-12 was Rs 5,38,911 lakh or Rs 5, 389.11crore. The sector's GVA in 2018-19 was Rs 7,66,568 lakh or Rs 7,665.68 crore. The growth clocked had been 42 per cent during the period. And the average growth per year was around 5.25 per cent. In comparison, the average inflation rate was around 6-7 per cent. This sector clearly revealed a growth rate below the inflation rate in the State.
The above analysis reveals the State's growth rate of 24 per cent in GVA of Agriculture and allied sector during the period 2011-12 to 2018-19 had been led mainly by fisheries and livestock sector.
Moreover, if average growth rate in crop sector is looked into then the data in the Survey revealed that the average growth rate during the period 2015-16 to 2018-19 has been -0.95 per cent.
Now, cut to the protests in farm sector that hit the State in 2018. Odisha had witnessed large-scale protests by crop farmers and milk farmers last year. And their common grouse has been non-realization of remunerative prices for their respective produces.
And when looked through whatever prism, the analysis clearly revealed that the real income of crop-farmers in the State have had a marginal growth, notwithstanding the claims of the State Government of doubling income of farmers. And the protests on the streets are the reality checks.
On 27th of June, I reached Nasik and visited the tomato fields of the farmer, Shri K.K.Patil. He had grown tomato in five acres out of which three acres had been covered through drip irrigation. Shri Patil was expecting 30 tons of tomato per acre from the irrigated land. After harvesting tomatoes, he would grow Chilli and thereafter, again grow Tomato. I visited the farm of Shri Firoze Masani in Nasik, a Chartered Accountant by profession who worked in Europe, but for personal reasons, came back to Nasik and took up floriculture. His poly-houses over an area of two and half acres under blooming Carnation through drip irrigation was a feast to the eyes. He had planted two lakh plants – all the seedlings had been imported from Holland. On an average, he harvested eighteen flowers from a plant. Most of his flowers got exported to Holland while the markets in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Pune absorbed some. Another entrepreneur, Sri Bogul, had grown strawberry in seven acres of land. He had planted thirty thousand strawberry seedlings per acre and covered the entire plantation under drip irrigation. He had timed the operation in such a manner that the strawberry from his farm would be available in European markets in December when strawberry from no other country reached the market. Shri Harish Chandra Jagtap was one of the hundreds of enterprising grape growers of Nasik. He had grown grapes in forty-four acres of land. On an average, he harvested twelve tons of grapes per hectare. Along with some other grape growers of the area, they had started a Cooperative Society which set up a Champagne factory and champagne was being exported. They had been regularly exporting grapes to Europe. Pre-cooling chambers had been set up at different places close to grapevines so that freshly harvested grapes got into the pre-cooling chambers without loss of time. Subsequently, the grapes got transferred to containers for export to foreign markets.
Wakode village, at a distance of ten kilometers from Ajanta, was where I met a young agriculture scientist, Sri Nitin Phadke engaged in growing Teak through drip irrigation. This seemed to me a novel experiment. He had planted 5,400 saplings per acre and the plants, growing very close to one another, were struggling to get adequate sunlight and therefore growing fast. Assuming mortality of 25%, he would be able to grow 4,050 plants per acre. Through drip irrigation he was also providing chemical fertilizer to the plants. Shri Phadke was cutting off unnecessary branches and, thereby inducing the plants to grow taller. After four years, the scientist would harvest 1350 trees and earn Rs.67,500 /- @ Rs.50/- per plant. Thereafter he would wait for four years and harvest 1350 eight-year-old trees and earn Rs.2,70,000/- @ Rs.200/- per tree. After four years he would harvest 675 trees and earn Rs.6, 75,000/- @ Rs.1000/- per tree. After four years, he would sell the balance 675 trees at Rs.6, 000/- per tree and would have a gross income of Rs.36, 50,000/-. His total income in sixteen years would be Rs.46,62,500/-.
Even today, we in Odisha haven’t reached this level of performance they had achieved three decades ago. We love to set our own pace, oblivious of what’s going on around. We love blowing out trumpet; giving big shout out to baby steps. In five years of operation of the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component of the Centrally sponsored PMKSY- PDMC Scheme, while Karnataka brought 9.25 lakh ha under Drip Irrigation, Andhra 7.43 lakh ha and Maharashtra 5.41 lakh ha; Odisha achieved a measly coverage of 29143 ha. Some states create more wealth through Agriculture than through Industry. Contribution of Agriculture to State GDP is higher than of Industry in states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. The disparity in production and productivity keeps growing, pushing Odisha to suboptimal stage of return from farming. In 2013-14, while Odisha produced Banana worth Rs 241 crore; Tamilnadu’s was worth Rs 5970 crore and Rs 3720 crore for Maharashtra. Though share of Agriculture in Odisha GDP has gone up to 27%, it would be relevant to quantify it and compare it with Maharashtra. Odisha’s SGDP of Rs 5.34 lakh crore got a share of Rs 1.44 lakh crore from Agriculture compared to Maharashtra Agriculture contributing Rs 6.99 lakh crore (25%) to its SGDP of Rs 27.96 lakh crore (India’s richest state). In other words, farming sector of Maharashtra contributed five times more than what Odisha did.
Given the quality of soil, availability of water and burgeoning demand, it’s absolutely possible to scale up production and productivity and enrich the farming community. Political leadership, however, is yet to grasp the potential the sector holds and the way it can contribute to equitable wealth creation. I am yet to come across the Chief Minister expressing publicly his desire to see the huge Rice fallows on either side of the Railway Line or National Highway between Berhampur to Jaleswar, under intense agricultural activity throughout the year. The wasteland experience ends the moment one enters Andhra or West Bengal. Odisha must stop romanticising poverty to grow. Odisha’s ailing Farm Eco-system needs appropriate retrofit to be vibrant. Our farmers can surely perform if political leadership motivate them and bureaucrats do meaningful handholding.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. The author can be reached at lonewalker.1942@gmail.com)
More From The Author: Cotton Farming – Odisha Badly Needs A Road Map
In Odisha, some farmers of Liligada and Merapalli panchayats under Mohana block of Gajapati district are now leading such a change to show how with its increased nutritional quality to even a better taste and from maintaining health of the soil to more earnings, organic farming is the only sustainable way forward.
From growing vegetables like- cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, coriander and onion in aplenty, the farmers have also cultivated sunflower, maize and millet with the use of only environment-friendly manures and not any chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
The farmers prepare manures by using animal wastes like cow dung, and composts with lemon and karanja leaves. They say that demand for organic grown products is more and the quality of yield is also better than the products grown using fertilizers.
Narrating about the conventional method of farming, a farmer Balaram Mallick said, “We use traditional agricultural equipment for ploughing our fields. We use only manures to grow crops and avoid application of chemical pesticides."
“We initially practiced agriculture using chemicals but later, we thought of adopting organic farming which is in fact good for health as well as tastes better,” noted another farmer, Rabi Mallik.
Despite all this, the farmers seem to have a grief, the lack of water for irrigation and other purposes which have stood as a hindrance for good farming in the region. They believe that if they are provided with water facilities, they can yield more organic produce.
A farmer Bishnu Prasad Mahapatra narrated how he faced lot of difficulties in making his farmland agriculture worthy only because of scanty water supply for irrigation.
“We have cultivated around 5 acres of land but faced a lot of problem due to lack of irrigation facilities. If we are given proper facilities to water the field, it would boost our yield,” said Mahapatra.
Asked about the situation, Additional Agriculture Officer of Mohana, Bhabendra Murmu accepted the lack of water facilities in the region but he assured to take necessary steps from his end to alleviate the issues hitting the farming community in the block.
“There is shortage of water in Mohana block. Despite the hardship to avail water for irrigation, some people in the block have adopted organic farming. We will try to provide them with whatever facilities available with us."
https://youtu.be/cPPhhQC78eU
The Agriculture department Secretary, Suresh Kumar Vashishth said, “We have appointed nodal officers for all the districts and sensitized them on how to deal with the locust swarm. Control rooms are created in all districts to monitor their movement. All the concerned officials have also been asked to take measures as the situation develops.”
“SOP has already been issued to all the field-level officials in the State. They will be briefed further as and when the guidelines are released by the Centre,” Vashishth said.
As per Vashishth, locust advisory has already been given to more than 8 Lakh farmers through Ama Krushi helpline and to more than 6.5 lakh farmers through WhatApp groups.
Speaking about the movement of the locusts, Vashishth said, "The direction of the swarm will largely depend on the wind direction and monsoon."
Agriculture Department Director, M. Muthukumar said, “A monitoring team has been constituted in each district to keep a tab on the movement of the locust swarm and for surveillance of vegetation.”
As per sources, the department has requested the Locust Warning Organization to provide real-time data of the movement of the pests.
“The scientists have assured us that the locusts will move away from Odisha if monsoon arrives early in the State,” informed Muthukumar.
Edited By: Bikram Keshari Jena
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The highest MSP rise was proposed for nigerseed (Rs 755 per quintal), followed by sesamum (Rs 370 per quintal), urad (Rs 300 per quintal) and long-staple cotton (Rs 275 per quintal), said Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar.
The differential remuneration was aimed at encouraging crop diversification, he added.
The increase was in line with the 2018-19 budget announcement of finalising MSPs at least 1.5 times of the All-India weighted average cost of production (CoP) to allow a reasonably fair return to farmers, said Tomar.
The expected returns for farmers will be the highest for bajra (83 per cent), followed by urad (64 per cent), tur (58 per cent) and maize (53 per cent). For other crops, the return is estimated to be at least 50 per cent.
The MSP for the common grade of paddy has been set at Rs 1,868 a quintal and grade-A paddy, Rs 1,888 per quintal for the crop year 2020-21 (July-June). Similarly, the MSP for jowar hybrid is Rs 2,620 per quintal and other jowar Rs 2,640 per quintal.
The MSP for tur (pigeon pea) has been finalised at Rs 6,000 per quintal, moong (Rs 7,196 per quintal), urad (Rs, 6,000 per quintal), groundnut (Rs 5,275 per quintal), sunflower (Rs 5,885 per quintal), soybean (Rs 3,880 per quintal), sesame (Rs 6,855 per quintal) and nigerseed (Rs 6,695 per quintal).
The MSP for medium-staple and long-staple cotton has been set at Rs 5,515 and Rs 5,825 per quintal, respectively. The new MSP for bajra is Rs 2,150 per quintal, ragi Rs 3,295 per quintal and maize Rs 1,850 per quintal.
(IANS)
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Under this, the Bank will offer loans predominantly for agriculture and allied activities, and micro and small enterprises.
About 8,000 branches in rural and semi-urban areas have been identified for providing specialised services to the micro-segment including micro-credit for small businesses and farmers. The thrust is also to improve service quality and availability of banking services through the Bank's network of over 63,000 Customer Service Points in rural, semi-urban, urban & metro areas. The new Vertical will provide a boost to the micro-finance sector.
Launching the Vertical, Rajnish Kumar, Chairman, SBI said: "The key elements of creating the FI&MM vertical are to bring sharper focus to different business lines and improve the quality of interaction with customers at the Branch. This is a key initiative by SBI to cater to the financial requirements of people residing in the hinterland of the country, as part of its financial inclusion journey. The new FI&MM Vertical will provide an opportunity to serve the small business, Agri & allied segment so that they can run their businesses smoothly, especially in the current times of uncertainty."
At the national level, the FI&MM vertical will be headed by deputy managing director (DMD) Sanjeev Nautiyal.
To ensure special focus and smooth functioning at the local level, the FI&MM Vertical will comprise of a four-tiered structure under the Chief General Manager, General Manager, RMs at Regional Business Offices (RBO) and District Sales Hub to strengthen the credit delivery system and improve the turnaround time for quick sanctions and disbursement of small loans.
The primary emphasis will be on consolidating the district level presence which will provide constant sales & recovery support to branches in the FI&MM Network. The DSHs will also play an important role in strengthening the reach of Customer Service Points (CSP) and ensure improvement in quality & availability of services rendered to customers.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBI has been at the forefront in providing relief to existing SME borrowers, such as 10 per cent of fund-based working capital limits by way of CCECL (Common COVID 19 Emergency Credit Line), easing of working capital finance along with a moratorium on term loans and working capital.
(IANS)
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The Union Cabinet had on Wednesday cleared Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Ordinance 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance 2020 which were notified on Friday.
Apart from these two key reforms, the amendment of essential goods act has also been given approval following which the agriculture commodities like onion, potatoes, oilseed, edible oil and cereals have been removed from the list of essential commodities.
After the announcement of the landmark decisions by the Government for reforms in the agricultural sector for raising the income of the farmers as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the President has promulgated the two ordinances with the aim of giving a boost to rural India for farmers engaged in agriculture and allied activities, said the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in a statement.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday wrote to all the Chief Ministers informing them of the Ordinances and solicited their cooperation in implementation of the reforms, said the statement.
He stressed the need for their continued support in the development and growth of the agriculture sector in the new reformed environment.
By recognizing the bottlenecks preventing the holistic development of marketing of the agriculture produce, the Government drafted and circulated the Model Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (APLM) Act 2017, and also the Model Agriculture Produce and Livestock Contract Farming Act of 2018, for adoption by the states, said the statement.
When the whole ecosystem of agriculture and its allied activities was tested during the COVID-19 crisis, it reconfirmed the necessity for the Central Government to speed up the reform process and to come up with a national legal facilitative ecosystem to improve intra-state and interstate trade of agriculture produce, said Agriculture Ministry.
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The app, which serves as a repository of knowledge and information for any individual engaged in farming, helps meet needs of the rural ecosystem.
The app will also provide value-added services, like mandi prices, latest farming news, weather forecast, information on seed varieties, SMS advisory, e-pashuhaat and Kisan TV, according to a HDFC Bank statement.
Users can also avail multiple banking services, like procuring loans, opening bank accounts, insurance facilities, online calculation of KCC loan eligibility, and for acquiring government social security schemes.
The app will help with traditional banking services and keep users informed about new government schemes and ways to access them.
It's part of the bank's 'Har Gaon Hamara' initiative to reach out to customers in the rural and under-served areas.
(IANS)
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But amid the hardships, opportunity has come knocking on their doors. With the help of other villagers, Jimendra and many others like him who have returned back to their native place due to lockdown, now have a newfound reason to work which is a long-term dream of a canal to the village for irrigation purposes.
https://youtu.be/fT94sTb2IuA
Without any source of income, as farming has become the only mode of sustaining families, the migrants in the village have dug out a kilometre-long canal to water the crops on the once-barren lands.
“There is no means to meet our daily needs here in the village. We requested the government to provide water supply to our lands but could not get any help. Frustrated by the government apathy, we decided to build a canal that could reach our barren lands. Now with water supply reaching the uncultivated land, we can easily grow vegetables and paddy," says an elated Jimendra.
Sukalata Pradhan, ward member of Guhibadi who also helped her villagers digging the canal narrated about the indifference meted out to them by the government. Calling it as a long-cherished dream fulfilled, she gave the credit to all the villagers.
"We united to build a canal on our own. Due to shortage of water, our crop fields were barren since years but now all that is going to end," Sukalata said.
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Adequate measures should be taken to encourage young entrepreneurs to make use of the opportunities of the schemes of the Centre and the state government for agricultural growth of the state, and investment in the sector, said Agriculture Secretary Saurabh Garg.
Schemes like Agriculture Infrastructure Development Funds, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyoga Yojana will strengthen the states economy while ensuring its agricultural growth, Garg said addressing a webinar.
The webinar titled 'Agri-Business: Scopes and Opportunities' was organised on Saturday by Odisha Corporate Foundation (OCF), a non-profit organisation.
Noting that Rs 1 lakh crore loans will be provided to the farmers in the country by banks and other institutions under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund, he said Odisha farmers can avail loans of Rs 2,500 crore under this fund.
Farmers as well as those keen to invest in agriculture and allied fields should reap the benefits, he added.
Director, Agriculture and Food Production, M Muthukumar said the use of new technologies and the availability of proper agri infrastructure will help the younger generation to take a plunge into the sector.
However, a lot needs to be done to encourage the youth to tap the vast potential of the farm sector, he said, while throwing light on proper storage of paddy and vegetables as the state produces a huge volume of these.
Director of Horticulture Rohit Kumar Lenka emphasised on the need for transforming agriculture into agri-business and emphasised on identifying and sorting out obstacles with regards to adopting modern technologies.
There is no dearth of schemes for this transformation. But, the youth needs encouragement and proper guidance to avail benefits of these schemes, he said.
Interested people will get all support from the government in this regard, he said, urging the youth to invest in floriculture, mushroom cultivation and production of spices.
He also discussed subsidies made available in different schemes to develop infrastructure and storage of agricultural produce.
The state government is planning to promote one agri product from each district to encourage micro-enterprises.
Besides, integrated supply chain hubs in two major cities - Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur - are on the cards, officials said.
Lenka also urged the bankers to favourably consider agricultural projects.
The Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (APICOL) is the nodal agency to bring enterprise into agriculture and will provide all support to the agri entrepreneurs of the state and the Non-Resident Odias (NROs) keen to invest in agri-business, said its managing director PK Roul.
Former Odisha Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik encouraged the youth to embrace agriculture and allied sectors and feel proud to be farmers.
He encouraged them to opt for organic farming and floriculture for a profitable career in agriculture.
Organic farming combined with proper marketing is one of the most profitable occupations, Patnaik said.
(PTI)
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In a series of tweets after Rajya Sabha passed the bills by voice vote amid din created by protesting opposition members, Modi said these proposed laws will liberate farmers from numerous adversities as he noted that peasants were for decades bound by various constraints and bullied by middlemen.
A watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture! Congratulations to our hardworking farmers on the passage of key bills in Parliament, which will ensure a complete transformation of the agriculture sector as well as empower crores of farmers.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2020
For decades, the Indian farmer was bound by various constraints and bullied by middlemen. The bills passed by Parliament liberate the farmers from such adversities. These bills will add impetus to the efforts to double income of farmers and ensure greater prosperity for them.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2020
Our agriculture sector is in desperate need of latest technology that assists the industrious farmers. Now, with the passage of the bills, our farmers will have easier access to futuristic technology that will boost production and yield better results. This is a welcome step.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2020
He again assured farmers that the existing government support system for them will continue.
I said it earlier and I say it once again:
System of MSP will remain.
Government procurement will continue.
We are here to serve our farmers. We will do everything possible to support them and ensure a better life for their coming generations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2020
Farmers in states like Punjab and Haryana have been protesting against these bills, with their leaders alleging that the legislations will dismantle the existing system and leave them to the mercy of corporate interests.
Reaching out to the peasantry in Punjab, the prime minister posted his tweets in Punjabi as well. Shiromani Akali Dal, the BJP's oldest ally, has quit the Modi government in protest against these bills.
Modi asserted, "I said it earlier and I say it once again: System of MSP will remain. Government procurement will continue.
"We are here to serve our farmers. We will do everything possible to support them and ensure a better life for their coming generations."
These bills will add impetus to the efforts to double income for farmers and ensure greater prosperity for them, he said.
"Our agriculture sector is in desperate need of the latest technology that assists the industrious farmers. Now, with the passage of the bills, our farmers will have easier access to futuristic technology that will boost production and yield better results. This is a welcome step," the prime minister said.
The two bills were earlier passed by Lok Sabha. After they get the presidential assent, they will be notified as laws.
"A watershed moment in the history of Indian agriculture! Congratulations to our hardworking farmers on the passage of key bills in Parliament, which will ensure a complete transformation of the agriculture sector as well as empower crores of farmers," Modi added in another tweet.
The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 seeks to give freedom to farmers to sell their produce outside the notified APMC market yards (mandis). This, the government says, is aimed at facilitating remunerative prices through competitive alternative trading channels.
Farmers will not be charged any cess or levy for sale of their products under this Act, according to the government.
It will open more choices for farmers, reduce marketing costs, and help them get better prices.
The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 seeks to give farmers the right to enter into a contract with agribusiness firms, processors, wholesalers, exporters, or large retailers for the sale of future farming produce at a pre-agreed price.
It seeks to transfer the risk of market unpredictability from farmers to sponsors.
(PTI)
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The Prime Minister was delivering the keynote address at the Annual Invest India Conference organised with a special focus on strengthening business ties between India and Canada.
Inviting Canadian investors, the PM emphasised that India has undertaken structural reforms aiming to improve productivity and prosperity, and is also going through a rapid change in mindset and markets. "India has embarked on a journey of de-regulation and decriminalisation of various offences under the Companies Act. India has risen from 142 to 63 in the World Bank's ranking of ease of doing business ratings in the last five years," said the PM.
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He emphasised that reforms in labour laws greatly reduced the number of labour codes, which favours both -- the employee and the employer. The PM said there is an opportunity to grow, as during the Covid-19, there were various kinds of problems. However India has shown resilience and emerged as a land of resolution. He insisted that the FDI regime has been liberalised and a favourable regime created for sovereign wealth and pension funds.
PM Modi said reforms in education will enable foreign universities to come to the country. He added: "We are proactively monetising assets across sectors: airports, railways, highways, power transmission lines."
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He added that India is playing the role of pharmacy to the world, as it provided medicines to around 150 countries so far amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. PM said: "India-Canada bilateral ties are driven by our shared democratic values and many common interests."
(IANS)
I foresee an emergence of community issues in some areas. Till now, barring health and agriculture, Odisha has seldom faced real community issues. Industrial and mining hubs in Jajpur, Paradip, Angul, Jharsuguda, Rayagada would enhance the income of the marginalised communities, and an unskilled labour will be getting 12,000 or more per month. The assumption here is that local people get a chance to work in the industries in their own geography. Politics of these areas and the neighbouring constituencies will revolve around agendas like a) employment b) community-industry negotiations c) the collectorate-industry-MLA/MP understanding of government schemes and making them appropriately targeted d) sustenance of basic rural economy and e) control of crimes.
With the rapidly growing industrialisation, land would be freed from historical agriculture and would be offered by even small and marginal farmers for real estate development. Purchasing power would surge like never before. The politics would be focused on ‘business facilitation’. The state would do its best to help business prosper. Amidst this, only a leader who can bring in the balance between business and socialism would emerge popular or “statesman/woman like”.
The CV of a politician would look very different. S/he need not be a trade union leader, a student leader, a mass leader but if he has the support of business, the youth (majority of voters) will accept him or her. Distinct activism would be in the last leg and would gradually metamorphose into accommodative discordance. The process has already started since sometime now. Bhubaneswar is teeming with people more professional in getting projects cleared than asking questions about the impact of the projects. That is because the civil society is enjoying a slumber and they would continue with deeper sleep because, in the end, everyone including the communities want the jobs to be done. The leader would be able to pick ‘doers’ from the communities who would escort business to successful completion.
The survival of politics or politicians in Odisha would majorly depend on the survival of business, mostly extraction. Bhubaneswar would turn more into a guest house for the mineral-rich from Jajpur, Paradip, Angul, Jharsuguda, Rayagada. One-third of the state would be (more than 80 out of 147 constituencies) hungry for savvy, pro-business, rich representatives to be elected. The youth cadres or their handlers would toe their line and hence money would play the central role in the polity. Odisha could be the classic example of woke capitalism driving policies and culture and enjoying ‘ruling’ prominence than mere financial power. How mineral-based rental economy changed everything, from the culture to the politics of a state which not long ago was a ‘poor state’ for aid agencies and henceforth would be an ‘emerging state’ for trade agencies? Déjà vu. Business has always prevailed, even before the extraction spurt. By 2025, business will be an institutionalised and formalised stakeholder in governance. When business would dabble in governance, politics would naturally do business. By 2024, about 40% more businessmen would be in active politics and seek elections in Odisha. The term career politician would gradually lose relevance.
By 2025, there would hardly be any regional leaders (different regions of Odisha) worth the pull or influence. There were a few leaders who after their stints at Bhubaneswar, the centre, made their region or constituencies their mainstay. But now and in the coming years, the “constituency touch” of the leaders would no more be required. They are living off the party, its symbol and its chief leader. The MLAs would more and more get into a system where they are not expected to think or lead. They would be asked to do as directed by the chief or the party. The odd ones who would dissent would be shown the way or made backbenchers. Politics would be less issue-based. It would be party or central decision driven. In a way politics would be like the civil administration –a person or a caucus decides, and all the rest are to implement. It is a welcome change because in all these decades the MLAs failed to emerge as leaders and played ball happily to central whips. Communities feel much safer with the Chief than with the lackeys. At least there is a centrality in planning and development drives. People get benefits from welfare measures. They would continue to get doles because in the next half a decade, the largesse of public schemes would subsidise the CSR of the private sector. This will be due to the impact of “woke capitalism”. The social development work in villages would be controlled by CSR but funded by public schemes. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) as a concept will turn on its head.
The manifestos would no longer speak of social development. They would shout about business development. Social development will phase out when the HDIs would be reasonably stabilised. Like Maslow’s pyramid, after the basics, the communities would look for self-actualisation. This would manifest in increased income, easy income, more material comforts, flatter social hierarchies, more condominiums in tier 2 and 3 towns, lifestyle changes, reduced farming and above all emergence of leadership from least expected quarters. Everyone would get a chance to negotiate. Politics in a business-centric environment would encourage this trait which was earlier under the grip of a few dynasts or chieftains. By 2025, I foresee a lot of new faces to take charge.
In this scheme of things, the Generation Z— born between 1995 and 2012—would have to find a space for themselves. Everywhere they are redefining political movements, religion, popular culture, social distancing and more. But if they leave Odisha for studies or jobs, they leave behind two generations (one younger and one older) who would not have the capacity to respond to the changes around them or react and suggest. The millennials are Odisha’s first generation of digital natives and the oldest of its members would be about 30 then. They will be more engaged in opinionizing through social media which would be much more expansive in the next five years or so. The Odia collectives, groups in different cities of India would also become active but mostly as voices and not much of action. Because Odia diaspora would require to be strongly cohesive and action oriented then.
There will be less dwelling in the past and more blinking in the present, then. The political narrative would be designed more on business and less on culture and heritage. This shift would take about 4-5 years to sink into the Odia psyche. Once complete, the government would be the only source to keep the culture alive. I don’t foresee much PPP in the culture arena. With the change in narratives, the style of campaigning and the messages would be different. More than half of the population would be reached through social media, which might spawn fake and deep fake social media misinformation campaigns. This will be a new war fought on new grounds which is far away from the real ground. Politics in Odisha would drift away from ground issues. This is a trend and would have its own pros and cons. Values of the middle class will turn to unbridled aspirations. The per capita income of Odisha has grown by about 115 per cent in the last 8 years. It has added more than 15% to the middle-class band.
Like someone said quite easily that “I don't set trends. I just find out what they are and exploit them.” This will be the mood of Odisha politics.
To be continued….
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
(Charudutta Panigrahi is a polymath. Author, community worker, TED speaker, public intellectual & policy influencer. He can be reached at charu.panigrahi@gmail.com)
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