Focus on Income Growth Through Horticulture and Water Conservation

Collector Directs Effective Implementation of All Government Schemes Nuapada, July 10: A district-level review meeting on the progress of various horticulture schemes was held at the Conference Hall of the District Headquarters under the chairmanship of Nuapada Collector Madhusudan Dash. At the outset, Deputy Director of Horticulture Harekrushna Chand Hansda presented a detailed review of the department’s ongoing programmes, achievements, and targets. Addressing the meeting, the Collector emphasized that horticulture is a key driver for enhancing farmers’ income and directed officials to ensure the effective implementation of all government schemes so that the benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. He stressed the need to expand micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler irrigation for efficient water management. He also urged officials to promote the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, spices, and oil palm to improve agricultural productivity and farmers’ livelihoods. The meeting was informed that under the Per Drop More Crop scheme, against the target of covering 200 hectares under drip irrigation, work has been completed on 86.80 hectares. Similarly, against the target of 700 hectares under sprinkler irrigation, 212.30 hectares have been covered so far. Under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), the district has set a target of bringing 150 hectares under new oil palm cultivation during the current year. So far, plantation has been completed over 3.66 hectares, officials informed. On the occasion, the Collector felicitated progressive farmers for their outstanding achievements in horticulture. Those honoured included Mahesh Kumar Suna (Khariar Block), Giridhari Rana (Boden Block), Rikesh Kumar Pradhan (Komna Block), Lalaram Sahu (Nuapada Block), and Bishram Herna (Sinapali Block). Among others present were Aradhana Shabar, Assistant Horticulture Officer, Komna; Gouranga Charan Pradhan, Horticulture Officer, Komna; Gobardhan Padhi, Horticulture Officer, Nuapada; Mohit Kumar Nayak, Assistant Horticulture Officer, Khariar, along with horticulture officers from all blocks of the district.