-The New Indian Express
Sambalpur (Odisha): The district will adopt integrated farming system in rain-fed areas of the district under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) from the current kharif season.
NMSA is one of the eight missions outlined under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims at enhancing agriculture productivity, especially in rain-fed areas, by focusing on integrated farming, efficient use of water and soil health management. Sources said three clusters have been proposed – each in an area of 300 hectares comprising agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fishery – in sub-divisions of Sambalpur, Rairakhol and Kuchinda.
An action plan has been drawn by the district agriculture authorities and sent to the Directorate of Agriculture for approval. NMSA has become the need of the hour as environmental changes are taking a toll on agriculture here. Besides, many areas under these three sub-divisions are devoid of irrigation facilities.
In another development, the Centre-sponsored National Food Security Mission (NFSM) which was launched in the district in 2010-11 aiming at growing more pulses, will from this year include rice.
The scheme will promote cultivation and increase production of both pulses and rice through area expansion and productivity enhancement in a sustainable manner. It will also work on restoring soil health and productivity at individual farm level.
Deputy Director of Agriculture, Ashok Mohanty said the matter has been discussed in the District Agricultural Strategy Committee meeting for the ensuing kharif crop. "This is a part of our efforts to improve productivity and provide farmers with alternative livelihood options", he added.
KHARIF CROP
■ The dist will adopt integrated farming system in rain-fed areas under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
■ Three clusters have been proposed in sub-divisions of Sambalpur, Rairakhol and Kuchinda