New farm technology put to use at Deras

BHUBANESWAR: The famous Deras farm on the outskirts of the City here would be made a model farm in the country by the State Agriculture department. Besides vegetables, the department is mulling setting up a fishery hatchery in 40 acres of land in Deras farm.“We are planning to develop Bhubaneswar as a vegetable hub and the Deras model farm is a step in this regard,”  Horticulture Director Sanjeev Kumar Chadha said. The farm will be utilised for producing various certified seeds and quality planting materials. Farmers of the State, who mostly depend on other States for seeds, will be benefited. Sources said a large patch of land in Deras, given four years ago for setting up food-based industries, is under the occupation of IDCO.Chadha said with the land yet to be put to use, the department is thinking of taking it back for development of the model farm. Besides, there are some low-lying unused patches in the farm where cultivation will begin  soon, he added.The department has kept the option of developing the farm under public-private partnership (PPP) open. The PPP model would help private entrepreneurs utilise the best farm technologies for generating revenue through farming.Chadha said the department would take care of soil reclamation, staggered planting techniques, mulching, micro-irrigation and identification of suitable crops and varieties.Agricultural universities would be involved in transfer of technology and training farmers. Apart from focusing on developing the farm, there will be post-harvest management of crops so that farmers get better price for their produce, Chadha said.