ANGUL FARMER SAFEGUARDS CROPS THROUGH EFFECTIVE FARMING PRACTICES INTRODUCED BY RELIANCE FOUNDATION DIGITAL FARM SCHOOL

Bhubaneswar (22/12/2023): Here is a success story of farmer Titu Sahoo who safeguarded crops through effective farming practices introduced by Reliance Foundation Digital Farm School.

Titu Sahoo, a 35-year-old farmer from Balikuda Jungle village in the Chhendipada block of Angul district observed his father and grandfather tending to their land.

Despite his keen interest in education, he could only attend school up to Standard 9 due to lack of a proper school in his village and financial constraints.

Since then, he dedicated himself over two decades to the profession of farming.

As a DFS farmer member, he own a total of 2.5 acres of land, with 2 acres devoted to rice cultivation and the remaining 0.5 acre used for growing vegetables such as chili, okra, cucumber, French beans, groundnut, and other vegetables.

His family, consisting of his wife and son, relies on the income generated from farming. For past few years years, he had been facing significant challenges dealing with pests and diseases such as caseworm, leaffolder, grain discoloration, blast, and bacterial leaf blight (BLB) in his paddy fields.

Despite efforts to purchase pesticides from local vendors in Balipata or Chhendipada, he often fell short in effectively controlling these pests.

In the previous Kharif season of 2022, 1 acre of his paddy suffered severe damage from blast, foot rot, BLB, and leaffolder infestations, resulting in a harvest of only 20.25 quintals, amounting to Rs.31,500.

Fortunately, he participated in the Reliance Foundation soil health card program and submitted his soil sample.

With the assistance of the Reliance Foundation, he received a soil test report and along with that he got valuable information on crop growth, soil management, suitability for different crops, and pest management.

In the current Kharif season of 2023, adhering to the guidance of the Reliance Foundation, he cultivated hybrid and HYV paddy varieties such as Mahalaxmi, Kalachampa, and Puja.

The farmer says, "Active participation in training programs, digital farm school sessions, and one-on-one consultations with agricultural experts, along with seeking advice through the Reliance Foundation helpline, significantly improved my farming practices.

Implementing expert recommendations led to a remarkable increase in my paddy harvest, from 20.25 quintals the previous year to 30 quintals this season, even at lower expenses. Moreover, I planted 1200 banana plants on my 2.5-acre land.

Initially, the fruits were small in size, but with guidance from Reliance Foundation experts, I reclaimed the soil, resulting in good-sized fruits sold at favorable rates in nearby markets.

Participation in an animal health camp conducted by the Reliance Foundation ensured the well-being of my two cows and calves, protecting them against cattle worms and providing vaccinations.

This year, I anticipate earning a minimum of Rs.60,000 from the sale of paddy, compared to the Rs.31,500.

I received last year.

I am profoundly grateful for the Reliance Digital Farm School program, which not only safeguarded my crops but also increased my yield by an additional 10 quintals this season.

My heartfelt thanks go to the scientists, staff members, and the Reliance Foundation team for their tireless efforts.

I strongly advocate for the continuation of such invaluable services on a regular basis.".