Ryots not too hopeful of rich harvest

ROURKELA: Notwithstanding signs of normal monsoon, majority of the marginal farmers in the rain-fed Sundargarh district are not very optimistic about bumper paddy harvest. Reasons: Majority of the farmers has failed to get quality seeds in time even as monsoon in some parts of the district has begun to play truant. Farmers from various blocks complained that late supply of paddy seeds had delayed farming activities and now they are struggling to get fertilisers.At Subdega block, seeds were supplied late and the farmers who had sown seeds last month are having a difficult time with rain playing truant in the past one week. Lathikata block has also been affected by inadequate rainfall.  Sources said against the whopping demand, the Agriculture Department by June had received 19,300 quintals of paddy seeds. Traditionally, farmers in the district prefer short duration seeds which ensures harvest in three months. The medium duration seeds require four months time, while with the long duration seeds, the wait for standing crop stretches beyond four months. Ironically, the district received very less quantity of short duration seeds. The scientifically treated seeds, supplied by the Orissa State Seed Corporation, promise high yield.  Amid scarcity of seeds, the farmers were advised to utilise available plain seeds with them, lest the ideal time for sowing may pass. In the current kharif season, the district has targeted to cover 2.13 lakh hectares under the paddy cultivation.District unit president of BJP’s Krushak Morcha Daleswar Majhi alleged that majority of farmers in Nuagaon, Lathikata, Kuanrmunda and Bisra blocks failed to get quality seeds in time. A handful of farmers with purchasing power were seen procuring quality seeds from the open market at a premium, he added