Kharif strategy drawn up

Expressbuzz, May 8, 2009

BHAWANIPATNA: Kharif strategy has been drawn up with thrust on diversion of crops in Kalahandi district.

In the district agriculture strategy meeting held here recently, a target to grow different crops in 3,83,742 hectares of land was set.

Of the 3,83,742 ha, it is programmed to take up paddy in 1,51,655 ha, pulses in 1,06,950 ha, oil seeds in 28,750 ha and cotton in 23,000 ha.

It is targeted to provide irrigation to kharif crops in 1,37,125 ha.

The meet asked officials to remain vigilant against swarming cater pillar epidemic which is a regular phenomenon in the district. Bankers were asked to disburse kharif credit to farmers in time and Agriculture Department was asked to arrange seeds well in advance.

Regarding cotton it was decided to take precautionary steps in view of market-related problems.

Cotton farmers were asked to diversify crops and grow other cash crops like maize and soyabean.

Similarly paddy farmers were asked to go for Sree method of cultivation in more areas in view of success achieved last season.

The meeting was chaired by Collector R.S.Gopalan.