Short supply of seeds hits pulses cultivation

Expressbuzz, Dec 31, 2009
BHAWANIPATNA: Short supply of certified seeds has hit cultivation of pulses and oilseeds in Kalahandi. After farmers incurred heavy loss in the last kharif season due to moisture-stress condition, the Agriculture Department decided to give priority to cultivation of pulses and oilseeds in the current rabi season considering the favourable climatic conditions.Besides, farmers showed interest following the intervention of National Food Security Mission which aimed at increasing production of rice and pulses in a sustainable manner, restoring soil fertility and enhancing farm economy.The department had decided to cover 2,15,433 hectares (ha) under rabi crops. This include 53,913 ha under paddy, 1,00,000 ha for pulses and 27,450 ha under oilseeds cultivation. The remaining land would be used for vegetable cultivation. The department had placed demand for supply of 3,500 quintals of certified pulses seeds for the district with the Directorate of Agriculture to be sold to farmers through the Agriculture Department sale centres. However, just 300 quintals of seeds have been provided to farmers till now.Under such circumstances, farmers are forced to buy seeds from local market. As against the target of 1,00,000 ha, so far 40,250 ha have been covered under pulses.