There is widespread resentment among the mines affected people of Angul district, as many NGOs from outside district having little local experience have been selected for two most important DMF-assisted projects.
The Odisha Millets Mission has been launched in Angul district and five blocks namely Athamallik, Angul, Kishorenagar, Chhendipada and Pallahara are under its coverage. The programme is funded by District Mineral Foundation (DMF). As nodal agency for implementation, the District Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) has selected some NGOs as FAs. However, many selected NGOs have no proper work experience in proposed blocks on agriculture with community based organisations and/or farmer producer’s organisations.
“Many have no experience on millet production systems covering production, processing, research, marketing and inclusion of millets in nutrition programmes,” alleged social activist CR Sahu.
Similarly, NGOs having little experience have been selected for project “Special Programme on Promotion of Agriculture Production Clusters.” The project will trigger growth in farm sector with objective of sustainably doubling income of small and marginal farmers by establishing Agriculture Production Clusters (APCs) .In Angul district, the programme has been expanded to Angul, Athamallik, Chhendipada, Kishorenagar and Pallahara blocks funded by the DMF.
Again here NGOs selected to implement scheme as FAs are little experienced. Under programme 3,000 smallholder farmers would be mobilised into producer groups (PG) and producer companies (PC). At least 25 PGs would be formed out of which 80% would meet Grade A and B category and high value crops would be selected for coverage of 1,000 acres per block per year. Moreover, most coal mine affected areas like Talcher Block, Kaniha Block and Talcher Municipality have been excluded from these two important programmes that too funded by DMF.
Besides an NGO from outside Angul selected as FA has given false experience certificate claiming to have worked with 15 farmers clubs in district. “The selection of inexperienced NGOs to implement import programmes in mines affected area will derail objectives,” told Sahu.