NEW DELHI: ONGC, in collaboration with Eklavya foundation has created Center for Agriculture Research and Training in Telangana for training farmers in organic farming using latest technology. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship inaugurated the CSR project for construction of hostel, classrooms, computer labs & administrative block at the center benefiting more than 3500 farmers in organic farming, yesterday.
Speaking during the inauguration of the facility, the Hon’ble minister said, “This area is known for toor daal produce, and I dedicate this initiative to my brothers and sisters who are engaged in farming and I hope they will be able to use the facilities created here and understand and adopt modern technology for improving production”.
The minister championed the cause of skill development of the farmers to promote organic farming in a big way across the country, and said such noble projects will improve the standard of living of our farmers. Shri Pradhan also said that organic farm produce is another area for promoting export of these products with suitable quality controls and market linkages, helping India become a net exporter in organic produce. He said the concept of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ is very close to the heart of this government and will strive to take the project to the entire nation.
This iconic CSR project, envisioned by the government, has been supported by ONGC to help India develop a sizeable organic farming market. CMD ONGC Mr Shashi Shanker said that the company is proud to be associated with this kind of project through its CSR to empower people towards inclusive development. “Technology induction in agriculture to foster organic farming will be a game changer. This project will usher in a beginning in our agri-economy”, he added.
Dr. Alka Mittal, Director HR, ONGC who was present in the inauguration programme to steer this iconic project said that through proper skill development and use of technology, the farmers will be able to migrate to organic farming which will have three fold benefits- the farmers will prosper and the quality of life of their families will improve, their consumers will get healthy agro-products and there will be environment conservation as well leading to improved ecosystem in which the entire state of Telangana will flourish.
The facility will also reach out to farmers in ONGC operational areas in Andhra Pradesh, training them in organic farming and enrolling them in PGS System, an internationally applicable organic quality assurance system, similar to ISO. The PGS System would certify their farm produce as organic produce and recognize them as export quality internationally.
The project will be immensely beneficial for increasing the scope of organic farming in the entire Telangana and other neighbouring region. This project will help the farmers and local youth to enhance their livelihood by imparting them employment with enhancing vocation skills. The project is being implemented in one of the most backward areas in the region. It will benefit about 3500 farmers, 200 students and consumers in general by way of promoting organic farming.
