The Horticulture Department has stepped in to help vegetable farmers in Ganjam region of Odisha, which has been struck hard by the pandemic.
Farmers who were unable to sell their harvest last year due to Covid-19 prohibitions are being assisted by the government, which is providing subsidies and encouraging them to start mushroom farming across the territory.
The department has offered 15 mushroom beds and Rs.1000 in financial assistance to over 800 farmers. According to Deputy Director of Horticulture, Sarat Chandra Behera, 150 mushroom beds and Rs.10000 each had been provided to women's self-help organisations in the district.
The project has invigorated farmers, particularly women's self-help organisations, who have encountered a number of challenges as a result of the pandemic.
According to Behera, the Horticulture Department has also started cultivating fruits on 3,185 acres of land around the district.
While 2,775 farmers are involved in fruit cultivation, 243 are involved in floriculture on 127 acres of land in the district.
The department has provided a 75 percent subsidy to small and marginal farmers, while the major cultivators have received Rs.37500 per hectare subsidy.
Farmers who have started floriculture have received a 70% subsidy. The Horticulture Department in the area offers a 50% grant to those who start floriculture in green houses.
According to Behera, 2,250 acres of land have been cultivated with high-yielding vegetables and floriculture in green houses, with 2,198 farmers receiving Rs.20000 subsidy each.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) was used to transfer the subsidies to the farmers' bank accounts. He stated the horticultural staff has been directed to help the farmers with everything from soil selection to harvesting.
However, the COVID-19-related interruptions have reduced agricultural input production capacity and raised prices, making these resources unavailable to smallholder and marginal farmers in the nation.
Another cause of uncertainty is the availability and accessibility of seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides for the forthcoming crop season.
