Technology help at hand, but Telangana looking other way?

The irony is hard to miss. Decade-long efforts by a local institute have led to massive revenue generation for the farming community of a neighbouring State, and the success story is now set to be replicated elsewhere too. Telanagana, however, is yet to avail itself of the technology and bring cheer to its farmers.

Bhoochetana, or revival of land, is a successful initiative of the Sangareddy-based International Crops Research Institute for Semi- Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), which has transformed the lives of over four million farmers in Karnataka. Starting in 2009, the initiative has benefited over 47.5 lakh farmers in that State.

The intervention not only led to 20 to 66% increase in crop yield, but also took the total net benefits to ₹2,100 crore.

Now, ICRISAT has extended the programme to Odisha, one of the backward States in the country, where 43.5 lakh farmers in all of its 30 districts are expected to reap benefits.

The Department of Agriculture, Government of Odisha, signed an agreement with ICRISAT on Monday. The three-year agreement will involve the institute’s efforts to improve the soil health of 61 lakh hectare farmland through a science-led development approach. The programme involves soil health mapping, nutrient recommendations and support to farmers.

“This will help increase productivity through improved practices. Besides, improved cultivars, local seed banks, land and water management practices and capacity building for farmers will be implemented,” said an official release from ICRISAT.

An official from the institute, however, cannot comprehend why Telangana is still waiting to implement the programme. “When Karnataka and Odisha are reaping huge dividends, why not Telangana where ICRISAT is located? What is preventing the government from taking a positive decision and making use of ICRISAT’s services,” asked the puzzled official, seeking anonymity.