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Seed development farms likely to be revived

Staff Reporter

NREGS funds may be sought

BHUBANESWAR: With short supply of quality seed haunting farmers, the government has drawn up a revival plan for State-run 67 seed development farms by availing of assistance under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).

The Panchayati Raj Department agreed in principle to fund the plan while a detailed operational guideline would be formulated for the purpose, Director of Agriculture and Food Production Arabinda Padhee said here on Tuesday. Sources said that Rs. 10 crores could be sought from NREGS fund for renovation of agricultural farms. The farms were responsible for developing breeder quality seed, which are sold to farmers.

"The total demand for paddy seed has been estimated to be 1.58 lakh quintal per year. But at present, the Agriculture Department has been able to provide only 22,000 quintal," he said.

"The gap between demand and supply is huge. Though it is difficult to bridge the gap, the revival of government-run farms will provide much-needed assistance to farmers in the State," Mr. Padhee said.

In other seed, the department was way behind meeting the demand. According to a draft plan, the revival plans included renovation and excavation of existing farm pond, construction and strengthening of farm road and plantation.

Fertility mapping

Meanwhile, the department decided to go for fertility mapping of soil across the State. "We will reach out to un-reached farmers with suggestions on which fertiliser is suitable for the soil of their agricultural land. They will be asked to go for specific crop," Mr. Padhee said.

Pani panchayats, self-help groups, cooperative societies and panchayats would be involved in recognising fertility level of a particular area through special kits.

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