Dasapalla: (Reported by Ratnakar Hota): This year has been particularly tough for the vegetable farmers in Dasapalla. Many farmers have watched helplessly as their crops are attacked by a variety of pests and diseases. The sight of wilting brinjal plants due to root rot, leaves turning brown from blight, and crops infested by whiteflies is now all too common. For these farmers, who have invested significant amounts of money and time, this is nothing short of a nightmare.
One such farmer, Promod Jani from Buguda Colony, shares his plight. “Every year, we grow vegetables to sustain our family. This year, we planted brinjal, bitter gourd, beans, and cauliflower on over five acres. But pests have ruined everything. Despite using all kinds of pesticides, nothing works. We don't even see any horticulture officers to guide us,” says Promod, frustration evident in his voice.
No Help from Government or Authorities
Promod’s story is not unique. Many farmers in the Dasapalla region are in the same boat. Despite the government’s claims of various schemes to support agriculture, these benefits do not seem to reach the farmers. The Horticulture Department promises annual training and information on crop cultivation and pest control, but the farmers of Dasapalla report that they rarely see any officials or receive any assistance.
"Our crops are destroyed, and we are left with nothing. We expected help from the government, but none has come,” says another farmer, Bhaskar Nayak.
A Ray of Hope Fading
The situation is dire. Instead of exporting vegetables, Dasapalla is now importing them from other regions. This has caused a steep rise in prices in local markets, making it difficult for residents to afford fresh produce. The very livelihood of these farmers is at stake, as they face massive financial losses with no support in sight.
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According to experts, pests like whiteflies, stem borers, and leaf blight are not easy to control without proper guidance and resources. Farmers need timely advice and effective pesticides, but the lack of departmental initiative has left them to fend for themselves.
The Voice of Desperation
“We see government ads about how they are helping farmers, but we don’t get anything. Our crops are dying, and so are our hopes,” says Sita Ram, a farmer who has been cultivating vegetables for over a decade. This sentiment echoes across the farming community in Dasapalla.
The frustration and desperation are palpable. Farmers are calling for immediate action from the government. They need agricultural experts to visit their fields, diagnose the problems, and provide effective solutions. They also need financial aid to cover the losses they’ve incurred this season.
A Community in Crisis
The crisis extends beyond the fields. Local markets are affected as well. Residents who once bought fresh, affordable vegetables from local farmers now have to pay higher prices for produce brought in from other regions. This situation has disrupted the entire local economy.
“Prices have gone up so much. Earlier, we could buy a kilo of brinjal for Rs. 20-25. Now it’s almost Rs. 50. It’s difficult for us to manage,” says Radha Devi, a homemaker from Dasapalla.
The Way Forward
For Dashapalla’s farmers, the road ahead is uncertain. They need urgent intervention to save their crops and their livelihoods. The government needs to ensure that the benefits of their schemes actually reach the farmers who need them the most. Agricultural officers should be more proactive in visiting farms and providing on-ground support.
Educational programs and effective pest control measures are essential to prevent such situations in the future. Farmers also need better access to resources and guidance to manage their crops efficiently.
The story of Dashapalla’s farmers is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the agricultural community. As they struggle with pests and diseases, the lack of support from authorities only worsens their plight. It’s crucial for the government to step in and provide the necessary aid and resources to ensure the survival and prosperity of these hardworking farmers. Only then can the hope of a better harvest be restored in Dasapalla.