Koraput: In yet another step towards women empowerment, the ITDA has initiated a process for strawberry farming on five acres of land in Kotia panchayat of Koraput district.
Local women will be involved in the farming to make them self-reliant. Notably, neighbouring Andhra Pradesh has been making bids to encroach upon Kotia panchayat.
The bids have stoked tension between Odisha and AP. It has already held panchayat elections in some villages. The matter is sub judice at the Supreme Court.
The neighbouring state is also reportedly trying to woo people of Kotia with sops and by carrying out developmental projects. The ITDA’s initiative to promote strawberry farming through SHGs will financially empower women in Kotia.
ITDA held a gram sabha over the project at Daliamba. A team of officials and strawberry farmer Bhargav Laked made a field visit in the area and discussed with local residents about the commercial feasibility of the strawberry cultivation.
As this farming is new to the area, the district administration will arrange field visits for the locals, organize documentaries on the farming, prepare information brochures and provide all help for drip irrigation in the area, said Kashi Prasad Nayak, the district coordinator of the ITDA.
He added that farmers keen on this farming will be provided with all necessary help. Manager of the ITDA project, Satya Ranjan Mohanty listed out various benefits from the farming.
He assured the locals that after harvest of the strawberries, ITDA will ensure marketing facility for the produce. The strawberry farming will bring about a change in economic condition of the people.
At the meeting, members of three SHGs and members of 44 families were present.
PNN