Soro: Palm cultivation is gradually picking up in Soro block of Balasore district due to the government’s encouragement. Farmers are taking up palm cultivation as an alternative to paddy due to the latter’s diminishing profits. However, water shortage due to lack of irrigational facility is a major stumbling block to palm farming.
To promote cash crops like palm, the horticulture department and Ruchi Soya have initiated joint efforts on an experimental basis in Talnagar village under Soro block.
Palm cultivation has been taken up in 26 acres by 25 farmers under MGNREGS in 2016-17. However, the major problem has been water shortage, a farmer said.
Enthusiastic farmers were provided palm saplings, manure, fertilizer and labour free of charge. The initial input cost for the palm cultivation in 26 acres was estimated to be `11 lakh. In the second year, the palm farmers were assured of financial assistance under the National Palm Cultivation Scheme. In this pilot project, 1,543 saplings were planted of which 45 saplings have died. The remaining saplings are growing, but water is the main problem, farmers said.
In this project, the farmers have been assured that palm oil fruits will be harvested in four years from the time of plantation. “Once planted, palm trees can be harvested of their fruits for 30 to 40 years,” said Manoranjan Nada, assistant horticulture officer, Soro.
Besides, Ruchi Soya had started palm cultivation in Singhakhunta, Nadigan and Nuagan in 2011-12. Since the government bears almost all expenses of palm cultivation in the project, more and more farmers are keen to take it up.
Another advantage is farmers can also grow vegetables, flowers and onions in the space between palm trees. Amid complaints of water shortage, Gokulananda Patra of the lift irrigation division said water will be provided to the interested farmers free of cost.
It is alleged that due to lack of coordination between the horticulture and irrigation departments, farmers are unable to avail irrigation facilities.
Patra said the farmers who are keen to take up palm cultivation should first make provision for water in their land. PNN
