Orissa sets kharif target at 74.64 lakh tonne

The Orissa government has set a target to produce 74.64 lakh tonnes of food grain during the current kahrif season. This is about 1.06 lakh tonnes (1.4 per cent) more than the previous year’s achievement of 73.58 lakh tonnes

While pinning its hopes on a normal monsoon, the government has taken multi-pronged strategy to achieve the target. “We have taken several measures, including supply of crop inputs in time”, said a senior officer of the agriculture   department.

The steps taken by the government included enhancing disbursement of farm loan, popularising System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method for paddy cultivation under the National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP) and covering more area under the scheme, introduction of e-pest surveillance to control pest attack in 13 out of 30 districts, increasing supply of certified seeds etc. A total area of 58.48 lakh hectares, out of 61.50 lakh hectares of cultivable land, is targeted to be covered under the kharif programme for various crops during this agricultural season. Sources said, Orissa State Cooperative Bank (OSCB) aims to disburse around Rs 1600 crore crop loan to the farmers during 2010 kharif.