Malkangiri, June 10: Today, Malkangiri District Collector Prathmesh Arvind Rajshirke visited the Jafra nursery located at Naglur village under Papulur Gram Panchayat in Chitrakonda block. The nursery has been developed by ITDA Malkangiri under the Setu programme.
A total of three Jafra nurseries have been established in the Chitrakonda block area, with an estimated production capacity of nearly 800,000 saplings. The District Collector inspected the condition and maintenance of the saplings and expressed satisfaction over the work being carried out there.
The inspection team included Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Bedabar Pradhan, ITDA Project Administrator Haldhar Sabar, Chief District Agriculture Officer Anil Praharaj, and ITDA Project Manager Biswanath Mishra.
The District Collector instructed all concerned officials to complete trench digging and plantation work within the stipulated time frame. He also advised the ITDA Project Administrator to take steps for establishing a Jafra market (mandi) to ensure proper procurement and marketing of Jafra seeds from farmers.
During the visit, local residents of Papulur Gram Panchayat discussed their issues with the District Collector and requested the establishment of a gravity-based pipeline water supply system for drinking water and irrigation facilities. They also raised demands regarding the distribution of Forest Rights Act (FRA) land titles.
In response, the District Collector advised the residents to submit details regarding land that has been under occupation for more than 75 years.
Members of the Konda Reddy community expressed their willingness to adopt Jafra cultivation as a means of livelihood. They also assured that if they receive support for Jafra farming, they would refrain from cultivating cannabis.
At the end of the visit, the District Collector took a group photograph with Jafra farmers and beneficiaries. He expressed satisfaction with the initiative and encouraged local people to actively participate in the programme.
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