Excess fertilizer use in agriculture causing cancer; Odisha government to promote organic farming

Punjab is using more fertiliser per hectare than the national average and now two cancer trains are running to Mumbai owing to cancer cases. Hence, the Odisha government has decided to promote organic farming in the state, said Odisha deputy CM and agriculture minister, KV Singh Deo in the Assembly on Wednesday.

While replying to a question raised by MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra, KV Singh Deo informed that at present organic farming is being done in Odisha in 10 tribal districts including Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Koraput, Rayagada, Dhenkanal, Bolangir, Kalahandi and Mayurbhanj.

According to Mishra, cancer express train is running from Punjab to Mumbai. Odisha has become self-sufficient in agricultural production and has grown in terms of fish production and poultry in the KBK region. Will the government take up organic farming on a larger scale? Will there be any subsidy for farmers as the production rate will come down, asked Mishra.

In his reply, KV Singh Deo said, “The Odisha government wants people to go for organic farming. Productivity might increase with fertilizers, but it degrades the soil whereas organic fertilizers improve the fertility of the soil. Hence, the state government is going to promote organic farming and ensure that the produce of the farmers reaches the correct market. The linkage that will be provided will help farmers to go for organic farming."

According to Singh Deo, if any farmer wants to get their soil tested they can do it through soil card and extension officers have been deployed to take up organic farming.