Bhubaneswar, 06 November (H.S.): The Department of Agriculture of the Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput, in collaboration with the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research (ICAR-IIRMR), Bharatpur, Rajasthan, organised a mustard seed distribution and agricultural demonstration programme on Friday at the Anchal Gram Panchayat office premises in Boriguma block.

The initiative aims to promote large-scale cultivation of mustard and toria, familiarise farmers with improved agricultural practices and enhance their income in the region.

In the first phase of the programme, mustard and toria seeds along with essential fertilisers were distributed among 75 farmers from Boriguma and Kotpad blocks. The inputs are intended to cover more than 25 acres of agricultural land. Faculty members of the University's Department of Agriculture also conducted field visits and practical demonstrations to familiarise farmers with scientific methods of mustard cultivation.

Addressing the farmers, CUO Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Ajit Kumar Sasani described the farmers of the undivided Koraput region as highly enterprising, progressive and hardworking. He said the adoption of improved agricultural practices offered immense opportunities for agricultural development and enhancement of farmers' income in the region.

Farmers are the real backbone of our economy. There are enormous opportunities for research and innovation in this region. This initiative is just the beginning. CUO will extend all possible technical knowledge, support and guidance to farmers to help double their income. Based on consultations with farmers, we have identified 240 acres of agricultural land in Koraput district for expanding mustard and toria cultivation, he said.

Appreciating the active participation of women farmers, Boriguma Block Development Officer (BDO) Sukanta Kumar Patnaik highlighted their growing involvement in agricultural activities and enthusiasm for learning modern farming techniques. He expressed hope that the initiative would contribute significantly to the economic well-being of farmers and encourage more people to take up mustard cultivation.

Highlighting the technical aspects of the programme, Head of the Department of Agriculture Dr Manjushree Singh explained the scientific methods of mustard cultivation, its benefits and the potential for increasing farm income. She said the University would facilitate appropriate market linkages once production increased. Technical assistance would also be provided for oil extraction and the development of value-added products, helping farmers become more self-reliant.

Among those present were Boriguma BDO Sukanta Kumar Patnaik, Anchal Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Dasarathi Majhi, CUO Assistant Professor Dr Lopamudra Behera, Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) BPM-in-charge Devendra Panda and social worker Laxminarayan Buxi, along with a large number of farmers and Krushi Mitras from Boriguma and Kotpad blocks.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which University faculty members addressed farmers' queries and provided practical guidance on various aspects of mustard cultivation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda