Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Sunday directed the officials to promote strawberry farming and apiculture among the farmers in Koraput district.
During a visit to Deomali and Kotia panchayats in the district, Mahapatra reviewed several ongoing development projects. He went around strawberry farm of local farmer Basana Gemel and honey bee farm of a self help group (SHG) in Kotia.
Speaking to media persons after the visit, Mahapatra said, “This is my second visit to the district in the last two years. During my last visit in April last year, I found strawberry cultivation in only 2 acre of land. This time it has been extended to around 30 acre. Considering the farmer’s interest, I have directed the officials to take all necessary steps to encourage the farmers to diversify to strawberry farming and apiculture to boost their income.”
The chief secretary also inaugurated a forest guest house and a cold storage in the area. Later, he went to Ranasing where he inaugurated an Anganwadi centre and distributed school uniforms among the children.
Mahapatra also took stock of ongoing tourism projects in Deomali and Kotia and told the officials to complete those in time. Koraput district collector Abdul Mohammad Akhtar and senior officials of the district administration accompanied Mahapatra.
