The Members cutting across party lines in the Assembly on Wednesday expressed concern over a scarcity of seeds during the beginning of the agricultural season in the State.
While the Government claimed it has adequate storage and supply of seeds, but the Members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches wanted to know, why there were discrepancies in supplying seeds during start of the agricultural session and the farmers of the State are dependent on other States. They asked if the State has the potential in self dependence in seed production.
BJD MLA Amar Prasad Satpathy said when there is a need for crop diversification, why the State cannot be self sufficient in seeds production and supply of adequate seeds in time can’t be ensured, apart from maintaining their quality.
Deputy Leader of Opposition (BJP) Bishnu Charan Sethi wanted to know if there is any long-term plan for increasing cash crop. He said the Agriculture Department still follows the same old system of seed distribution through Agriculture Extension Officers (AEO). The system is largely politicised as only persons affiliated to the ruling party are getting the benefits at the cost of the needy.
Raghunath Podal (BJD) said while Raggi was treated as a staple food for the poor, now it has become rich persons’ luxury food. He sought to know the State Government's plan to promote the millet.
Congress MLA Suresh Routray expressed concern over vanishing of some rare paddy varieties because seeds are not available.
BJP’s Bhaskar Madhei questioned when the Government has engaged 90 private farms for seed production and supply, if they really are performing the task or cheating people.
Congress Member Tara Prasad Bahinipati said when people have lost interest in paddy cultivation, why the Government is not revising old and traditional food items like cereals, pulses and millets which have commercial value.
He said Koraput is known for paddy production in the world but the State Government has done little to promote paddy cultivation in the district.
Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra asked if the Government could ensure quality seeds for farmers.
Replying to the concerns of the Members, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain said the Government has made all arrangements for supply of seeds in both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Additional required seeds are being imported from other States, he informed.
He said the State Government has targeted to produce enhanced crop in 3, 33,090 acres of land and for that purpose, 13, 27,760 kg quality seeds are required with additional production value. The Government is making all possible efforts to supply additional 4, 75,784 kg seeds to farmers, he told.
Swain said the Government has signed MoUs with 22 private farms to produce and supply seeds to farmers in total 90 private farms engaged to produce certified seeds.
As of today, OUAT has invented 75 kinds of seeds, Swain told.