Challenges in Potato Farming: How Heavy Rains Impact Koraput's Farmers
Impact of Weather on Potato Cultivation
In Nandapur, the Potato Mission initiated by the state government is facing significant challenges due to excessive rainfall over the past two months, adversely affecting potato farming in Koraput district.
The district's geographical features and inadequate connectivity in rural areas have compounded the difficulties for farmers attempting to register their land and access government assistance.
Currently, 6,563 farmers have signed up for potato cultivation across 3,726 hectares, aiming to meet a target of 5,000 hectares.
So far, 39,295 quintals of seed potatoes have been distributed, with cultivation completed on 1,844 hectares.
Farmers have voiced their concerns regarding the new procurement and rebate scheme, which requires them to buy a 50-kg sack of potato seeds for Rs 1,000, with a promised post-harvest rebate of Rs 500 via direct bank transfer.
In previous years, the cost was only Rs 470 per packet, with a rebate of Rs 730, making the current scheme less appealing financially.
Despite these hurdles, the district's horticulture department reports that 74% of the targeted area has been cultivated with potatoes, totaling around 3,726 hectares.
The state government aims to achieve self-sufficiency in potato production in Odisha, setting a goal of cultivating potatoes over 5,000 hectares in Koraput this year, considering local soil conditions, climate, and farmer interest.
However, adverse weather and issues with digital connectivity have hindered progress.
Many farmers struggled with online registration due to poor mobile network coverage, leading officials to switch to offline registration methods.
Farmers were informed they could purchase paddy seeds at Rs 1,000 per 50 kg sack, with Rs 500 to be credited to their accounts post-cultivation, which has caused frustration among them.
The ongoing heavy rains have also deterred farmers from engaging in cultivation activities.
In the Nandapur block, 1,055 hectares have been registered by 2,093 farmers out of a target of 1,100 hectares, with 12,315 quintals of seed distributed.
Currently, potato seeds have been planted on 604 hectares, as reported by Assistant Horticulture Officer Archana Priyadarshini.
In Semiliguda block, 1,292 farmers have registered for 794 hectares, aiming for a target of 1,000 hectares.
District Deputy Director of Horticulture Sudam Bishwal stated that 7,940 quintals of potato seeds have been supplied, with sowing completed on 380 hectares. While officials remain hopeful, they recognize that challenges continue.
The persistent heavy rainfall is delaying timely field operations, which could impact overall yields. In Pottangi block, 397 farmers have registered for potato cultivation on over 211 hectares, with a target of 540 hectares.
To date, plantation work has been completed on 103 hectares, supported by the distribution of 3,055 quintals of seed potatoes.
In Lamptaput block, 1,464 farmers have registered to cultivate potatoes across 827 hectares, with a target of 900 hectares.
With 7,685 quintals of seed distributed, plantation work has been completed on 467 hectares.
Koraput block has seen 685 farmers register for 412 hectares, out of a target of 600 hectares. So far, 3,425 quintals of seed have been supplied, with plantation completed on 150 hectares.
In Dasmantpur block, 316 farmers have registered for 217 hectares, with a target of 500 hectares. To date, 2,475 quintals of seed have been provided, and plantation work has been carried out on 65 hectares.
Both Bandhugaon and Narayanpatna blocks have achieved 100% registration for their targets. A total of 150 farmers have registered to cultivate potatoes on 76 hectares, with 900 quintals of seed distributed.
Plantation work has been completed on 40 hectares. Sudam Biswal, Deputy Director of Horticulture, mentioned that farmers are expected to finish planting in the remaining fields within the next ten days, depending on weather conditions.