 "MP govt invites private players for organic farming")
To ensure farm-to-fork approach, state government had invited private players to join organic farming. As a result a number of private companies have evinced interest in organic farming during the last one week.
Few tribal dominated districts namely Mandla, Dindori, Shahdol have figured on organic farming map where private companies have inked deal with organic farm producers companies.
For example a Pune-based firm Lentus India Pvt Ltd had signed agreement for organic farming in 30 villages of Mandla district.
"The company will work in association with Kanha Agri Forest Producer company in 30 villages of Bichhia area in Mandla district," a senior government official said, "as many as 20 private companies have signed deals with state government in organic farming during the last two weeks."
After receiving encouragement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Global Investors Summit concluded earlier this month, state government had organised a three-day programme in Mandla on attracting private investment in organic farming.
Having more than 148,000 hectare area under certified organic farming out of a total certified area of 340,000 hectare in the country, state of Madhya Pradesh produces 40% of the total organic farm produce in India.
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Modi, during Indore Global Investors Summit, had asked the state government tap potential available in the organic farming area. "More than five private firms have committed investment in Dindori district," the official said.
Dindori has suitable climate and fertile land contiguous to river Narmada -- the main artery of the state -- for organic farming.
The tribals in Mandla and Dindori largely grow pulses, millets, maize, wheat, peas and aromatic rice through broadcast method.
"Tribal people still use years-old farm methods like broadcast seeding; they do not till the land. This way seed contamination is restricted to a greater limit yet obtaining certificate is a tough task for them. State agriculture department is aggressively working on it," the official said adding, "State expects entrepreneurs to harness potential of this sector."