Argus News - Breaking News: Odisha Focussing on Organic Farming with Balabhadra Mission

Bhubaneswar, Mar 11: Odisha is giving significant importance to organic farming, alligned with the state government's Balabhadra Organic Farming Mission initiative.

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, replying in the Assembly on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, informed: “The mission will be implemented over five years across 11 districts, covering 90,670 hectares of farmland.”

“The initiative aims to reduce farming costs and increase farmers’ income by promoting the use of natural fertilizers such as rural compost, green manure, Azolla, and blue-green algae,” said Harichandan.

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Key Components of the Mission

The mission includes two major schemes:

• Amrut Anna Yojana: Supplying chemical-free organic rice and pulses for Lord Jagannath’s temple offerings and Mahaprasad. Under this, 220 hectares are dedicated to cultivating Gobindabhog aromatic rice and 50 hectares for indigenous moong pulses.
• Organic Expansion Programme: Already active in eight districts, involving 26,872 beneficiaries across 16,600 hectares. Additionally, 16,870 hectares in 11 districts have been certified by the Odisha State Organic Certification Agency.

Integration with Central Schemes

The mission complements central initiatives like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). Together, these programmes cover 47,520 hectares of organic farming in Odisha, with 27,721 farmers currently engaged.

Financial Commitment

“The state has allocated ₹38.54 crore for organic farming this year, of which ₹13.23 crore has already been spent. Over the next five years, the government plans to invest ₹91.34 crore,” revealed Minister Harichandan.

Since preparing land for organic farming takes three years, the government is offering financial support: ₹12,500 per hectare in the first year, ₹10,000 in the second, and ₹7,500 in the third year.

Odisha is committed to sustainable agriculture, and farmer welfare, ensuring healthier produce and reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers.