Ranchi: In a significant move to tackle the ongoing seed shortage and ensure the availability of quality seeds across the state, the Jharkhand Agriculture Department has announced plans to establish 10 seed villages. The initiative aims to enhance local seed production and improve access to quality seeds for farmers.
During a review meeting held today at Pashupalan Bhawan in Ranchi, Shilpi Neha Tirkey, the state’s Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperative Minister, revealed that Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) had been signed with 10 villages from West Singhbhum, Chatra, and Latehar to kickstart the project.
Minister Tirkey acknowledged the persistent issue of seed scarcity in the state, noting that the seeds currently available often fail to meet the demands of local farmers. To combat this, the Agriculture Department will transform these selected villages into seed hubs, where farmers will produce quality seeds. The government will then purchase these seeds and distribute them to farmers across the state at subsidized rates, ensuring a more reliable supply.
In addition to the seed village initiative, Minister Tirkey announced that Rs 3,000 per acre had been directly transferred to the accounts of 1,400 farmers growing Madua, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The department is also mapping Madua cultivation at the panchayat level to improve support for farmers involved in the crop.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted efforts to bolster Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), revealing that Rs 15 lakh has been allocated to an FPO in Lohardaga. The meeting also focused on the implementation of various central and state government schemes, with Minister Tirkey providing guidelines to expedite their rollout.
The seed village initiative is expected to significantly improve seed availability and quality, while also supporting the livelihoods of farmers across Jharkhand.
