IAS probationer Srishti Singh’s unique initiative for organic farming

MANGALDAI: Srishti Singh, a young lady probationer of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), originally from Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) during her posting as an Assistant Commissioner in the Darrang district, felt unhappy to notice the overuse of pesticides and chemicals in agricultural produces by the rural farmers of Kharupetia area known as the ‘Vegetable Hub of Assam’, which deters export opportunities. She, realizing organic farming will serve as the only solution to this trend, was trying to contribute to encourage organic farming.

During her training course in Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), the LBSNAA selected a few IAS probationers to avail a seed funding under ‘Livelihood’ scheme and Srishti Singh was also among the few selected probationers. The project aims for last mile livelihood generation in remote areas. On her return to Darrang district after completion of the course, she discussed it with District Commissioner Munindra Nath Ngatey and finally got the opportunity to contribute for organic farming in the district already classified as an Aspirational District.

She selected two Farmer Producer Companies, namely ‘Seujmukhi FPO’ of Kharupetia and ‘Na Suruj FPO’ of Sipajhar area of the district and supported to facilitate organic farming of ‘Kaji Nemu’ (Assam Lemon) because it is a GI tagged product associated with the identity of Assam and to boost export opportunities. Both FPOs were provided with the financial assistance of an amount of Rs 75,000 each for implementation of this project.

The visionary young administrative officer on August 3 made a visit to ‘Seujmukhi FPO and distributed bio-fertilizers and Kaji Nemu saplings while conducting an awareness meet for the farmers. She also visited various farms along with agriculture officials where farmers presented their own experiences of organic farming and difficulties faced by them. Darrang district administration is trying to create convergence to boost export potential to South East Asia in Kaji Nemu and create a sustainable model of replicating similar farms across the district.

Ideal young farmer Habibur Rahman of ‘Seujmukhi FPO’, while speaking to The Sentinel on Thursday, highly appreciated the novel initiative of Srishti Singh and expressed their gratitude to her.

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