In recent times there have been lots of talk regarding ways to improve the prospects of Agriculture.Various State Government are trying to find out ways to improve the lots of the farmers.Odisha Government is no exception to this.Being a predominantly Rice based State,The state Government is trying to find out various innovative methods to increase the yield of not only paddy,but also host of Agricultural produce.The Establishment of Farmer commission was a step in this direction.The commission was asked to identify problems that ail the farming sector and ways of mitigation.I was asked to make a submission on 13.08.12.I highlighted certain issues which I have come to know from my practical experiences during the last ten years. The issues raised by me were (a) infrastructural problems.I pointed out there are various small issues relating to infrastructure which can be handled with minimum of investments.For Example Godown Issues.There are idle spaces of primary cooperative societies which can be used for rent .In that way society gets rent and temporary storage problems can be eliminated.Similarly we can convert small rooms for temporary godowns in the harvesting time with minimum alterations.A testing lab for sesame can be established with a small investment.(B) And for this central point is to strategize.A proper strategy can obviate many problems.With this regard my point was to develop a cluster approach with a minimum of 50000acres spanning over 3years.If we are not able to find large amount of acres ,then we can cover adjoining districts.With this regard 50000 acres in White sesame can be developed in the districtsof cuttack,Anugul,puri & Nayagarh.(c)Close liasion with national level trade bodies.The importance of the same cannot be ignored.Because marketing of the agri-produce is dependent on the quality specifications of the buyers.If we can produce what the buyers need,then selling is not a difficult proposition.For this the selection of seeds,quality parameteres have to be adhered to (d)In the modern age of computerization of process,we have to initiate these at the earliest .Government of India is spending huge amount money in form of inputs to the Agricultural sector.But whether the inputs are going the right way or to the right person is still a question of conjecture.The establishment of this process would go a long way in having a transparent system,which would lead to the correct appraisal of the same(e) I stressed the importance of food processing industry.Because that is the surest way of growing of our Agricultural economy.This would not only encourage local employment but would give the farmers means to grow their income.These and other suggestions seemed to be well received by the panel because these are based on pragmatism and realism.I sincerely believe practical suggestions are the requirements of the day and sooner its implemented its better.www.gvcl.org
