Chitrakonda Hosts Agriculture Awareness Drive as Swabhiman Area Moves Towards Organic Farming Growth

Malkangiri, May 12: A block-level awareness campaign on agricultural development activities for the current financial year was successfully organised in Chitrakonda Block of Malkangiri district. Sarpanches from all 18 gram panchayats participated in the programme, which aimed to strengthen grassroots leadership and promote sustainable agricultural transformation in the Swabhiman area.
The meeting was chaired by local MLA Mangu Khila in the presence of Zilla Parishad Chairperson Samari Tangulu, CDO-cum-EO of Zilla Parishad Dasarathi Sarabu, Chief District Agriculture Officer Anil Kumar Praharaj, Chitrakonda BDO Preeta Kumar, and officials from various departments.
The workshop focused on creating awareness among sarpanches regarding the implementation of major schemes such as the Integrated Farming Promotion Programme, Balabhadra Organic Farming Mission, and initiatives for the revival and sustainability of forgotten foods and neglected crops. Detailed discussions were held on the objectives, proposed activities, expected benefits, and possible challenges of these schemes.
Officials and public representatives also discussed the preparation of a joint action plan to ensure effective implementation of the programmes. The initiatives are designed to transform the Swabhiman area into an emerging centre for organic farming by promoting natural and organic agricultural practices, preserving local agricultural diversity, and creating better market opportunities for organic produce.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Mangu Khila stated that integrated farming is a key strategy to ensure year-round income generation, food security, nutritional security, and sustainable livelihoods for rural families. He urged public representatives and local leaders to actively participate in the transformation process and motivate farmers to adopt the programmes on a large scale.
Officials informed that all concerned departments would work together through a coordinated action plan for the overall development of the Swabhiman area. The initiatives will include science-based and technology-driven solutions to improve agricultural productivity, enhance access to government schemes and services, and create better income opportunities for farmers.
The workshop also decided to organise panchayat-level discussions and awareness programmes in the coming days to ensure wider outreach among farming communities and encourage greater participation in agricultural development activities.