Odisha, India horticulture department to help vegetable farmers

The Horticulture Department has stepped in to help vegetable farmers in Ganjam region of Odisha, which has been struck hard by the pandemic. Farmers who were unable to sell their harvest last year due to Covid-19 prohibitions are being assisted by the government, which is providing subsidies and encouraging them to start mushroom farming across the territory. The department has offered 15 mushroom beds and Rs.1000 in financial assistance to over 800 farmers. According to Deputy Director of Horticulture, Sarat Chandra Behera, 150 mushroom beds and Rs.10000 each had been provided to women's self-help organisations in the district. The project has invigorated farmers, particularly women's self-help organisations, who have encountered a number of challenges as a result of the pandemic. According to Behera, the Horticulture Department has also started cultivating fruits on 3,185 acres of land around the district. While 2,775 farmers are involved in fruit cultivation, 243 are involved ...