Farmers In Odisha's Keonjhar Learn New Techniques For Better Paddy Yield

Farmers In Odisha’s Keonjhar Learn New Techniques For Better Paddy Yield

Barbil: More than 60 farmers of Deojhar and Kandra gram panchayats under Joda block in Odisha’s Keonjhar district recently attended a workshop on sustainable, scientific and organic farming.

The workshop was organised by JSPL Foundation, the social arm of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd.

During the day-long session, the farmers were trained in line-sowing and systematic rice intensification (SRI) techniques of paddy cultivation to increase yield.

The farmers were keen to adopt the techniques as these methods require less water and involve expenses but give more yields compared to the conventional method of paddy cultivation, an official release said.

Village-level officer of Agriculture Department (Joda block) Pradeep Naik interacted with the farmers on the use of organic fertiliser, insecticide and seed treatment for high production of crops and vegetables.

Pandia Munda of nearby Sialijoda village appreciated the initiative of JSPL Foundation. “We have very limited access to experts or government officials for guidance on cultivation, which forces us to follow conventional method. I am sure along with me many more will now adopt these new techniques,” he said.

Kaikeyi Naik, a mushroom grower of Mahadevnasha village said, “Such programmes are really helpful for us as we get new idea and knowledge on farming”.

The local farmers have also been exposed to mushroom farming and seasonal vegetable cultivation. More than 100 persons have so far been facilitated and promoted to initiate different on-farm and off-farm economic activities and are contributing to their family’s economy in a sustainable manner, the release added.