Other States - Orissa   

Seed of discontent in farmers

Correspondent

Many caution against using paddy variety promoted by government

KORAPUT: A tribal farmer from Ramkana village in Koraput district Sania Majhi has cautioned against using the paddy seed being promoted by the government for increasing yield. Speaking at the regional farmers' meeting held here, Sania Majhi narrated his experience with one such promotional offer wherein he had used an improved variety of paddy seed supplied by the government in his 2.12 acres.

Contrary to the officials' claim, the new variety yielded just 10 bags of paddy as compared to 50 bags he could produce using the traditional variety. "Since then, I have not been accepting any new intervention," he added.

Best variety

"This is not an isolated case of failure of government's campaign," said Bangaramma Himrika, a tribal woman farmer from Rayagada district. She also saw the need to preserve traditional varieties of paddy seed, as it is at least time-tested.

On supply of cattle to farmers, Barsa Pangi from Tentuliguda said that the cow given by the government under a scheme died just after a few months. As per the assurance, he had been to the veterinary office to get papers to claim insurance. "I am vexed with the attitude of the service provider and I do not want to approach anyone on the issue," he said. "There are many instances where farmers could not get what is promised," Sarat Patnaik, secretary of Koraput Farmers' Association, said.

More eggs

"However, all is not bad with the new interventions as the experiment with the Banaraj variety of poultry has yielded more eggs," he added.

Farmers interacted with officials from horticulture, fishery, agriculture and veterinary departments.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

State's cap on quota opposed
France beckons Indian students
A celebration of penance
Council approves budget
Call for uplift of fishermen
Fire rages on mountain
Plea to shift MACT court
Tehsil office clerk trapped
Bus fares reduced
Seed of discontent in farmers

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu