Organic farming in the State is likely to be affected this Kharif season as the green fertiliser Dhanicha is unavailable with the State Government.
Sources said the Government may not be able to supply ‘Dhanicha’ seeds to farmers as the Agriculture Department is yet to initiate process for procurement.
As the compost is not available adequately in the State due to decline in the number of bovines, ‘Dhanicha’ has been the only medium for organic farming. It is a composition of organic fertiliser and is used just before paddy cultivation.
Dhanicha seeds are sown in the land just before paddy cultivation. After the plants grew up to 1.5 feet in height, they are ploughed and left to become compost in the land.
Not only the plants are used as fertiliser in the land, it also makes the environment suitable for cultivation by creating a green cover.
In view of farmers’ demand for green fertiliser, the State Government had put in place a system to supply 5,018 quintal seeds to the farmers last year.
Although, the Government is planning to provide the seeds to farmers from next month, the possibility to supply those remains low this year, sources said.
Notably, the Government used to provide ‘Dhanicha’ seeds to farmers at subsidised rated importing it from other States. While the Government purchases it at `50 per kg, it is sold to farmers at `15per kg.