Tribals in Kotia to take up potato cultivation

Time of India

6 hours ago

Koraput: In a significant move aimed at strengthening the tribal economy in Kotia panchayat under Pottangi block, the Koraput administration has decided to introduce potato cultivation in the ongoing kharif season.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The initiative is expected to enhance livelihood opportunities for tribal communities residing in the remote border area.
According to officials, the administration has set an ambitious target of cultivating potatoes over at least 100 hectares in Kotia out of the 5,000 hectares identified for potato cultivation in the district. Beneficiaries enrolled under the initiative will receive substantial subsidies, with the govt covering Rs 30,000 of the estimated Rs 40,000 required per acre, while the remaining cost will be borne by the cultivator.
"Introducing potato cultivation in Kotia is part of our broader efforts to uplift the tribal economy and ensure sustained development in the region. Kotia's climate is well-suited for potato farming, which informed our decision to implement this project," said Keerthi Vasan V, collector of Koraput.
The scheme is open to any resident with cultivable land in the region. Officials stated that depending on the results of first phase, the cultivation programme may be expanded to other areas in future.
"The beneficiaries will be provided with technical guidance by the horticulture department to ensure a bumper harvest," the collector said.
The move follows the successful launch of strawberry farming in Kotia, which already showed promising results in terms of income generation and community participation.
The administration's decision follows the constitution of a 16-member high-level committee, led by revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari, to accelerate development activities in Kotia last month.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
In line with this, the district administration began drafting a comprehensive roadmap focused on infrastructure, health, education and livelihood.
"Our priority is holistic development. All departments have been directed to design and implement projects aligned with these goals to ensure meaningful impact in Kotia," the collector added.
Kotia, comprising 28 villages, remains at the heart of a long-standing border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as 21 villages are claimed by both states. The matter has been pending before Supreme Court since 1968.