Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched the Odisha Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission to promote organic farming and reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which have been linked to an increase in cancer cases in the state.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said in the Assembly, citing concerns over the growing number of cancer patients in districts such as Balangir, Sambalpur, and Bargarh.
According to data, an average of 22,000 new cancer patients have been diagnosed in western Odisha between 2021 and 2023, with approximately 6,000 cases reported in Bargarh district alone. The excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in crops has been identified as a major contributor to this alarming trend.
The state government aims to encourage farmers to adopt organic farming practices, which will not only reduce the risk of cancer but also promote sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. However, experts emphasize that more research is needed to attract farmers to organic farming and make the initiative a success.
The Balabhadra Organic Mission is a crucial step towards addressing the growing health concerns in Odisha and promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
