Tentulikhunti, Feb, 4: Dr. Maheshwar Swain, District Collector of Nabarangpur, visited various villages in Tentulikhunti Block to review family farms and rural development projects implemented by leading organizations in the region.
He was accompanied by Tentulikhunti Cluster Development Officer Manoj Panigrahi, Additional Horticulture Director Shubhendu Biswas, Additional District Collector Tapan Kumar Khuntia, Block Agriculture Officer Barun Dhanpool, and District Project Coordinator Govind Numar, among others. Project Director Jagannath Jena from the leading organization also assisted during the visit and showcased the activities carried out under the project.
The first stop was Godigaon village under Lamataguda Panchayat, where they visited the family farm of Bhujbal Patra. The farm cultivates mango, cashew, pizuli, lemon, and other crops using intercropping methods and produces organic fertilizers. The farmer has become self-reliant, earning an annual income of ₹1,60,000 from these crops. Around 50 other farmers in Godigaon have similarly established family farms in collaboration with the leading organization, cultivating diverse crops to increase their income and achieve self-sufficiency, according to local residents.
Next, the District Collector visited Alchiaguda village under Manchagaon, where, with the support of the 62062 Azeem Premji Foundation, he observed solar fencing, family farms, solar-powered irrigation, and organic mixed farming systems, while interacting with the farmers.
He also discussed how various government projects can be effectively implemented in these villages and emphasized that, with coordinated support from line departments, such initiatives can progress successfully.