Ganjam district, Odisha — Over 600 small and marginal farmers across 80 Farmer Producer Groups (FPGs) in Surada block have adopted organic farming methods in the past two years, reducing input costs and improving soil health, following a series of Gram Vikas-led training sessions.

Lakhana Mallik of Adipanka village is among them. After attending a demonstration on seed treatment, soil management, organic pest control, and storage practices, he transitioned his three-acre farm to organic cultivation. “The soil quality improved, and my input costs dropped by nearly half over nearly two years,” he said. “My family eats safe, chemical-free rice now, and there is high demand for organic produce. People even visit my farm in advance to buy in bulk.”

The initiative included practical workshops across 60 villages and 11 panchayats, teaching farmers to prepare local organic fertilisers—vermicompost, jeevamrut, beejamrut, and handi khata—to reduce reliance on external inputs. Mangala Sabar, president of the Maa Draupadi FPG in Laxmipur, noted: “By making and using our own organic fertilisers, we have significantly reduced costs. In fact, there is an increase in soil moisture, which means soil fertility is slowly increasing.”

Nearly 200 farmers have cut or eliminated synthetic pesticide use. In Anlajholi village, Sam Sang Gomanga from Unnata Mandala FPG reported stronger soil moisture retention and higher brinjal yields after converting to organic inputs. “There is clear demand for organic vegetables, paddy and pulses,” he said.

Antaryami Nayak of Maa Tulasi Krusaka Utpadaka Gosthi in Malipanka emphasised the broader benefits: “Chemical farming dried out our soil. Organic inputs take time to restore the land, so we need to have patience and slowly cultivate the entire land we hold using organic inputs. It is not only about selling organic produce at a higher rate but also keeping my family safe from disease.”

The adoption of organic farming reflects a growing shift in Surada’s agricultural landscape, balancing cost savings, improved yields, and health considerations.

Reported by: Artatrana Sunani, Kailash Chandra Das