Rather than going for high yielding and hybrid variety of paddy to get more productions, farmers should adopt and cultivate traditional variety which is drought and pest tolerant and grows well with organic manure and does not require use of much fertiliser and insecticide.
This was observed by speakers at Desi Bihan Parab held at Kalangapali village in Bargarh district on October 15 last. Earlier, the traditional paddy seeds were worshipped by chanting shlokas.
A Kalash Yatra, wherein women member carrying traditional seeds on their head in pots (Kalas), marched through the village, accompanied by a cultural troupe and amidst slogans of Desi Bihan Banchhao (save the traditional paddy seed).
The women were welcomed and the paddy seeds were worshipped by villagers by performing puja.
Among others, Bargarh MP Prabhas Singh ,Padmashree and noted Kosali poet Haldhar Nag ,Siba Prasad Sahu of Ahinsha Club, Bhutibahal ,Saroj Mahanty ,Pratap Panda ,Tularam Kalet and many other local farmer leaders spoke on the occasion and stressed the need for preservation and promotion of traditional paddy cultivation in the area. The speakers appreciated the effort of Siba Prasad Sahu of Ahinsha Club for carrying out the campaign since 2008.
Various millet and traditional paddy seed varieties were displayed in different stalls.