From ganja fields to green farms: Swabhiman anchal's silent transformation

Time of India

2 days ago

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Koraput: Once a hotbed of Maoist activity and illegal ganja cultivation, Swabhiman anchal in Malkangiri district is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Spanning 151 villages and nine panchayats, the remote tribal region is now embracing sustainable agriculture and self-reliance.
The turnaround is being driven by the Malkangiri administration and the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), which have introduced targeted schemes to replace cannabis farming and curb distress migration.
"Ganja cultivation was rampant, and agriculture meant little more than small patches of ragi, with migration of villagers in search of work," said Malkangiri collector Asish Iswar Patil. "We took up the challenge with a structured long-term plan, emphasising alternative vegetable farming.
At first, villagers resisted. But with consistent dialogue and demonstration, they began to see the benefits."
What began with just 11 farmers under a cluster farming model has expanded to 752 individuals across 68 villages. Farmers now grow groundnuts, brinjal, beans, chilli, onion, cauliflower, bitter gourd, pumpkin and sweet corn using organic inputs and bio-pesticides. "The produce is sold in local markets such as Paparmetla, Badapada, Chitrakonda, and several BSF camps and govt-run residential schools," said Haladhar Sabar, project administrator, ITDA Malkangiri.
Iswari Golari from Nakamamudi village is one of the beneficiaries. "I earned nearly Rs 80,000 during the last rabi season by growing brinjal and chilli on my 1.5-acre plot," he said. Similarly, 28-year-old Dhanpati Pangi of Potel village, who once migrated to Andhra Pradesh as a labourer, now grows green chilli on his land. "I feel proud to be self-reliant," he said.
Patil said to sustain the shift, the administration has ramped up infrastructure, building check dams and lift irrigation points while distributing free seeds and offering comprehensive technical training.
Under the Socio-Economic Transformation and Upliftment (SETU) scheme, agriculture production clusters (APCs) were launched during the 2024-25 rabi and summer seasons. These clusters now span 1,350 acres.
Dragon fruit is now being cultivated on 37.5 acres of land by 36 farmers — an indicator of the area's growing agri-entrepreneurial spirit.
"To further boost income and market reach, value addition and processing units are being set up for turmeric, tamarind and jackfruit, helping transform raw produce into profitable products with strong market linkages," said the collector said.
"We no longer need to hide from the law," said Biswanath Kinchai, a farmer from Papermetla. "Now, we work with pride. Our land gives us life."