Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal has issued directives to officials for chalking out a detailed action plan for making Dantewada an 'Organic Farming District' in Bastar.
He said that at first, action plan for first three years should be made.
In the district-level review meeting held at conference hall of Jila Panchayat Dantewada on Tuesday night during his visit under lok Suraaj Abhiyan, Agrawal said that action plan should be made based on the geographical conditions, weather and other facts related to organic farming. During the next five years, the entire agricultural area of the district would be covered by organic farming practices.
The Minister said that just like Sikkim, Dantewada will also be converted into an 'Organic District'.
In Sikkim, not only the way of farming is organic but also the works related to animal husbandry and fishery is done in organic manner. Dantewada also has great scope for organic farming, he said.
It requires training of the farmers here at first and then development of market for the products made by them, the Minister said.
Agrawal said that there are certain organizations that are working for training farmers in organic farming and marketing their products at a good price. These organisations may help in implementation of the action plan. Besides organic farming, promotion of fruit and vegetable cultivation is also necessary and Horticulture has important part to play in promoting this kind of cultivation.
He directed Irrigation Department officials to ensure renovation and repair of irrigation infrastructure in the district before arrival of monsoon.
He also directed officials concerned to ensure availability of basic facilities like drinking water and power supply.
District Collector Saurabh Kumar informed in the meeting about the steps being taken for promoting organic farming in the district.
He said that an action plan has already been made for this purpose.
Commissioner Dilip Wasnikar informed about the works underway in Bastar Division.