The Deccan Development Society (DDS), an NGO working on millets and organic farming, is set to launch a new initiative – Farmer Connect – in association with Disha Women Society. It will be launched around May, before the commencement of Kharif season. The farmers will be connected with interested consumers, who can invest an amount of not less than ₹10,000 per acre, so that farmers need not go searching for investment. The consumers would also be offered to work in the fields, along with the farmers they have invested in, to get a feel of growing their own crop.
Addressing farmers at the concluding ceremony of the month-long 19th Mobile Bio-Diversity Festival held here on Saturday, DDS director P.V. Satheesh said, about 250 acres, at an estimated investment of ₹25 lakh, have been a part of the plan. He said this would be the first such experiment in the world. He has also stated that the biodiversity policy of the Union government was driven by the women working in this area.
D. Raju, a consumer movement activist and Disha Women Society representative, said, they were ready to implement community-supported agriculture and extend support to ecological farmers. Some people are showing interest to take part in this and extend the required assistance to farmers, he said.
Dr. R. Umma Reddy, Principal Scientist and Coordinator, DAATTC, Warangal, said, that the knowledge of farmers was no less than any agriculture scientist. “The farming sector is facing real crisis. Improper use of resources was leading to problems. About 6 lakh acres, out of 12 lakh acres in Warangal district, was cultivated with cotton, when only 60,000 to 70,000 acres were suitable for that,” said Dr Uma Reddy.
Sailu, State Project Coordinator, Telangana State Biodiversity Board, said that DDS and Sangam were nominated for UNDP Biodiversity award and soon a team would visit this area.
Senior Nutritionist Janaki Srinath, National Institute of Plant Management officer Srilatha, anchor and journalist Jhansi and others were present.
