'Mini green revolution' in remote Sadiya hamlet on the cards

MOTIVATION DOES WONDERS!

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TINSUKIA: Motivation can do wonders! And an example at hand is the 'mini green revolution' that's in the making at a remote hamlet in Sadiya subdivision in Tinsukia district.

Like every other district in the State,

Tinsukia district is reeling under acute unemployment that has been worsened by the outbreak of COVID-19.

However, it's heartening to see a few educated unemployed youth some of whom were contemplating on joining militancy have taken up agriculture as means of their sustenance.

The motivational programmes and technical support from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK of Assam Agriculture University) have led a section of educated unemployed youths of Churmora Sapori (highland) of the Brahmaputra, about 10 km from Gumtibeel in Sadiya subdivision, to take to agriculture. They also got CSR support from Assam Gas Company Limited (AGCL) and other stakeholders.

Churmora Sapori of the Brahmaputra is a thinly-populated area prone to elephant depredation. The area was not known to even the civil administration, let alone the Agricultural department till a couple educated youths along with a few farmers approached Dr. Sanjay Borthakur, the scientist in-charge of KVK, Tinsukia for viable agricultural options in Churmora. After the KVK studying all pros and cons, a 34-member SHG (Self-Help Group) christened as 'Prabhati Suraj' was formed. The Duliajan-based Assam Gas Company was then approached for financial support and that extended Rs 2 crore from the CSR grant under project 'Ankuran'.

As the maiden venture in 2020, potato cultivation was launched on 800 bighas of land which the SHG took under its possession. While its members shared the cost of labour etc, the AGCL provided elephant fencing, tractor, potato seeds and other logistic supports. Due to some technical and marketing hiccups, the farmers did not get the profit to the extent they desired even as the produce was huge. In this cropping season, maize has been grown with the seeds provided by KVK through IARI. The crop is at maturing stage and likely to be harvested in another month. It is expected to fetch a good profit.

It was Arup, an HS dropout from Sadiya College, who convinced a few other frustrated youths to take up agriculture, instead of armed struggle.

They underwent a training programme under project Ankuran on 'Plant Protection Measures in Cultivation of Maize' that was held at Churmora Sapori on Wednesday where all cultivator members of the SHG took part.

While scientist Dr Sanjay Borthakur of KVK introduced the topic, Priyanka as a subject matter specialist dwelt at length on the use of pesticides.

Mayurima Goswami Baruah, chief manager (System) and secretary CSR committee of AGCL, Dr Rishi Das, former vice principal of Tinsukia College, spoke on the occasion, among others. The farmers also participated in the feedback programme.

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