Malkangiri: Groundnut seed cultivation has significantly changed the fortune of the farmers of Khairaput in Malkangiri district, thanks to Odisha Agriculture Department.
The farmers here used to do traditional cultivation like paddy, millet and groundnut. Despite being a prime cash crop, groundnut cultivation failed to give the desired outcome to the farmers earlier.
However, the farmers were later made aware of the seeds cultivation and government policies linked to it. They subsequently turned their attention to groundnut seeds after block agriculture officials counseled and persuaded them in this connection.
About 90 percent of people are dependent on farming in the agriculture-dominant district. Around 50 percent of farmers grow groundnuts for a good harvest.
However, the groundnut usually gives them less return than the seeds. Moreover, people also sometimes fall prey to the exploitation of dealers.
“When they cultivate seeds and sell them to Odisha Seeds Corporation, they get handsome income with free from dealers’ monopoly,” said Hemant Kumar Padhihary, Block Agriculture Officer.
The farmers, who yield around 5 quintal per acre, now harvest 7 to 8 quintal from same area after cultivating the groundnut seeds.
Samara Kape, a farmer of Kalasata village in Khairaput said “I used to earn only Rs 20,000-Rs 30,000 per hectare. As per the advice of our block-level agriculture officers, I started cultivating seeds and sold them to the government. Now, I am getting Rs 50,000 plus bonus of Rs 25,000. I am very happy and plan to expand my cultivation.”
Mangala Kisani, another farmer of Haladia Sata village also shared a similar experience. “Getting cooperation from VLW and block agriculture officer, I started seed cultivation. I am getting an attractive margin with a bonus from the government.
Only three farmers had cultivated the seeds three years ago, now their number has reached 37, Khairaput block agriculture officer Hemant Kumar Padhihary said.
“I observed that farmers here are growing the groundnut but are dependent on outside dealers for seeds. They were also subjected to exploitation in the hands of dealers and businessmen. I counseled them and persuaded them to go for seed cultivation. Initially, three farmers came forward. They gained a good margin by selling their produce to the State Seeds Corporation. Inspired by them, others also took an interest in the cultivation of seeds,” Padhihary added.
According to the farmers, they took to groundnut seeds under the guidance of officials and of the agriculture department. In this farming, they have benefited greatly. Farmers said that they will never stop the cultivation of seeds and will make aware other farmers in the surrounding areas about new farming.
