To cope up the space crunch in agriculture, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University (IGAU) in association with state government is looking ahead of promoting Terrace Farming. As of now, various farming lovers are visiting Urban Woman Farmer Pushpa Sahu’s residence at Avanti Vihar who is developing the concept.
“Recently, I went through the vegetables, fruits and flowers grown by a lady on her terrace. Such kind of techniques will help the urban farmers lacking space crunch, particularly in the Naya Raipur areas. Many farmers lost their land when the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh and Naya Raipur was suggested the new capital,” legislature cum Parliamentary Secretary of Agriculture and Irrigation Department Tokhan Sahu told The Pioneer.
Sahu further stated that he will soon urge State Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal to bring out a State level Terrace Farming Policy benefitting the urban farmers. “Around 80 percent farmers of the state hail from agriculture background. This kind of policy will surely benefit the urban farmers,” he maintained.
Meanwhile, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University (IGAU) officials confirmed that the Cooperative Banks took keen interest when this farming method was displayed in the National Agricultural Fair 2015 held last month at the university premises.
“We are focusing on the Terrace Farming method of Pushpa Sahu since it is all about organic farming, eco-friendly and helps in maintaining the room-temperature. Moreover, it will benefit urban farmers,” said an officer of IGAU.
Meanwhile, IGAU Public Relations Officer KK Sahu said that as many as 26 villages were affected when the construction of Naya Raipur city was initiated.
According to sources, the State Policy for Terrace Farming is implemented in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Sources claimed a Mainpur farmer Rajendra has replicated the model. “Padmashree Awardee Social Entrepreneur Phoolbasan Yadav will be visiting Pushpa Sahu’s home on Sunday to learn the concept in order to empower hundreds of women regarding the farming module,” said sources.