Business / बिज़नेस
Better Marketing Arrangement must for Organic Cotton of Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal. Minister for Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Gaurishankar Bisen has said that Madhya Pradesh in one of the leading states of the country in organic cotton production. Madhya Pradesh produces one quarter of the total world's organic cotton. Therefore, there is a need for better marketing arrangement for organic cotton being produced in the state at national and international level. Bisen said this while addressing the convention on Organic Cotton held at R.C.V.P. Noronha Academy of Administration.
Minister Bisen mentioned that demand for organic cotton has increased in the field of medical. Best cotton production of Nimar area of the state has carved its special niche in the country. Farmers of Nimar area has shown interest in organic cotton production during the last 3-4 years. He stated that a policy has been prepared by the state government in 2011 to encourage organic products. Several facilities along with subsidy are being given to farmers. While deliberating on measures to double farmers' income, Bisen urged voluntary organizations, working in the agriculture sector to work with the state government for effective implementation of government's programmes.
The Principal Secretary Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Dr. Rajesh Rajora informed during the convention that first BT Cotton arrived in the state, but it did not prove worth enough for reducing the cost of the farmers. Discussing about the challenges of Organic Cotton, Dr. Rajora said that organic cotton of best quality is being produced in Khargone, Badwani, Jhabua and some districts of Nimar region. He informed that the area of organic farming has increased 7 times and become 6 lakh hectare approx. during the last 7 years in Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, he said that export of organic products could reach Rs. 1000 crore from Rs. 600 crore owing to organic cotton. The Principal Secretary further informed that Organic Farming Institute in Mandla, Organic Products Testing center in Jabalpur and Organic Cotton Research Institute in Khandwa are being started.