Farmers turn barren land to organic farm in Gumla

DUMARTARN (GUMLA): Farmers in a once-barren area of the district are setting a silent revolution in motion for their overall progress after turning to organic farming, prohibiting liquors and voluntarily putting a ban on free cattle grazing to safeguard their standing crops. These unique practices in Dumartarn, Tangartoli and Pahar Panari areas came to the fore when the farmers invited the district authorities for the first time to attend their meeting organised at Dumartarn on Thursday evening.
"Located 6km off the district headquarters, Dumartarn was a barren land some years ago and the area was affected by extremists of the erstwhile Jharkhand Sangharsh Jan Mukti Morcha (JSJMM). However, after bureaucrat-turned-farmer Punai Oraon started planting the first fruit plants and vegetables, his four-acre plot became not only fertile land but also the green lung of the area. Later, other farmers began to settle there one by one and this place has now become a centre of organic farming," said Anil Singh, a farmer.
Currently, about 20 farmers who have settled here are also engaged in lucrative allied activities like rearing cows, pigs and goats. "All of these have been done without outside support," Singh added. Speaking on the occasion where DC Sushant Gurava was present, Punai Oraon said, "In weekly markets of the district, buyers seek vegetables and fruits from Dumartarn as the farmers here don't use chemical fertilizers. Now, the incomes of the farmers have increased, and they have started sending their children to private schools in the town. All are progressive farmers."
District agriculture officer Ashok Sinha and sadar circle officer K K Mundu were also present. Upon the arrival, the farmers felicitated the DC for winning the PM Award For Excellence In Public Administration.
Another farmer, Jagdish Oraon of Tangartoli village, said, "My village is now fully alcohol-free as the residents neither manufacture nor drink it after we self-imposed prohibition. Moreover, we settle disputes on our own without taking them to the police stations."
One more farmer added, "The villagers also don't leave their cattle for open grazing. This practice not only safeguards our standing crops but also makes the cattle safe."
They later informed the administration officials about the issues they faced and sought support. Among the issues they raised were the need for the renovation of their old check dams and releasing of agriculture credits. "The way they have turned a barren area into a green settlement is an inspiring model," the DC said.