By: Shamikh Rais Siddiqui
Bahraich, May 29: A district-level ‘Kisan Diwas’ (Farmers’ Day) programme was organized at the Vikas Bhawan auditorium on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Development Officer (CDO) Sunil Kumar Dhanwanta. During the meeting, farmers raised several issues related to crop procurement, pending payments, seeds, and agriculture-related services.
Addressing officials from the Agriculture and Allied Departments, the CDO directed them to ensure the prompt and quality resolution of all grievances received during the programme. He encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming practices to increase their income and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. Assuring farmers of administrative support, he said any farmer could directly approach his office with complaints, which would be resolved on priority.
During the meeting, progressive farmers Hari Sharan Singh and Lalata Prasad Gupta demanded the establishment of maize procurement centres in Bahraich district, stating that maize production had been exceptionally high during the recent Rabi season.Farmers’ Raise Maize Procurement, Wheat Payment Issues at Kisan Diwas in Bahraich
Farmer Anil Kumar Mishra from Nawabganj complained that despite selling his wheat crop over a month ago, he had not yet received payment for the produce. Another farmer, Lalata Prasad Gupta, sought clarification from Forest Department officials regarding tree felling regulations.
Responding to the query, the Forest Department representative informed the gathering that 26 species of trees, including mango trees, have been placed under the restricted category and cannot be cut without prior permission. However, farmers or individuals requiring the felling of such trees may obtain permission from the Forest Department through the prescribed process.
Dr. C.P.N. Gautam, Senior Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), advised farmers to carefully select quality seeds to ensure better crop productivity during the upcoming Kharif season. KVK scientist Dr. Nandan Singh urged farmers to reduce excessive use of DAP and Urea fertilizers, warning that overuse of chemical fertilizers is adversely affecting soil fertility.
Deputy Director of Agriculture Vinay Kumar Verma informed the gathering that a Millet Processing Unit would soon be established in Bahraich district. He said the facility would greatly benefit local millet growers by enabling easy processing of their produce within the district itself.
He also appealed to farmers to get their Farmer Registries prepared at the earliest, stating that the government is giving top priority to the registry process. Farmers were also requested to motivate fellow farmers to complete their registrations.
District Agriculture Officer Subedar Yadav informed farmers that those interested in obtaining mini-kits of millets and other seeds should register through the ‘Darshan-1’ portal. He further stated that Dhaincha (Sesbania) seeds and other Kharif season seeds are available at government agricultural seed stores across the district at a 50 percent subsidy.
He added that the government has ensured the timely supply of Dhaincha seeds this season so that farmers can easily avail themselves of the subsidized seeds for green manuring and soil improvement purposes.