October 9th 2024.
In the past, the farmers living near Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district were constantly living in fear of being caught for their illegal opium cultivation. It was a risky and uncertain way of life, but they had no other means of income. However, thanks to the efforts of the district administration, these farmers have now been given a new opportunity to turn their lives around by cultivating alternative crops. This has not only put a stop to the illegal opium trade, but has also freed many people from the dangers of substance abuse.
The district administration has been successful in convincing the farmers to leave behind their illegal practices and embrace a more sustainable way of living. It was not an easy task, as these farmers were previously unaware of the repercussions of opium cultivation. With the help of the district administration, they have been educated about the harmful effects of their actions and encouraged to choose a different path.
The opium cultivation was prevalent in several villages, including Gudugudia, Barehipani, and Astakuanar panchayats, covering a vast expanse of land. The opium traders and smugglers would deceive the innocent villagers with promises of money in exchange for cultivating opium. However, the authorities were quick to take action, conducting regular raids and destroying opium plants worth millions of rupees. This widespread cultivation of opium had become a cause of concern for the entire state.
Upon investigation, the district administration, led by the then district Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, took a more compassionate approach. Instead of punishing the farmers, they urged them to leave behind their illegal activities and join the mainstream. Agriculture Secretary Subham Saxena also visited the area and spoke to the villagers, emphasizing the importance of finding alternative sources of income. Officials from various departments, including Forest, Excise, and Fisheries, also joined in the effort, educating the villagers about the harmful effects of opium cultivation.
Replacing the large-scale opium cultivation was no easy feat, as it required a considerable investment in terms of finances and resources. The district administration, along with agriculture and horticulture officials, assured the villagers of government support if they chose to cultivate cash crops such as turmeric, pineapple, raggi, strawberry, litchi, and ginger. The villagers were also included in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, which provided them with the necessary resources and support to start cultivating these crops.
The villagers have responded positively to this initiative and have started actively participating in the cultivation of these alternative crops on their lands. They are grateful to the district administration for providing them with a new lease of life. District Collector Hema Kanta Say has also expressed her commitment to continue encouraging the villagers to take up aromatic paddy, sweet corn, and other alternative crops in the future. They will be provided with quality seeds and proper training to ensure their success in this new endeavor. Thanks to the efforts of the district administration, these farmers can now look forward to a brighter and more sustainable future.
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