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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
125 Malkangiri villages to be brought under PM-JANMAN
Koraput: In a major stride toward inclusive and equitable growth, 125 villages across five tribal-dominated blocks in Malkangiri district have been brought under the ambit of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative aims to transform the lives of around 23,000 individuals, many belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) such as the Bonda and Didayi communities. Officials confirmed that the scheme will be executed through a coordinated effort involving eight govt departments, targeting over 5,000 households across the blocks of Khairaput, Chitrakonda, Mathili, Korukonda, and Malkangiri. So far, 1,665 beneficiaries have been selected for housing under PM-JANMAN, and over 160 houses have already been completed, said collector (Malkangiri) Asish Iswar Patil. To address basic infrastructure gaps, mega drinking water projects are underway in 124 villages, with 10 systems operational. Simultaneously, the rural development department is spearheading construction of roads across five blocks. The department concerned has been asked to identify gaps where anganwadi centres are required, and we expect to complete their construction by year-end, the collector added. Healthcare access is also being prioritized, with seven mobile health units providing doorstep medical services across the region. The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) will construct 10 hostels for students from remote areas to ensure continued access to education. Officials said efforts are underway to enhance connectivity with mobile network services to be extended to 16 unconnected villages, of which three have already received coverage. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In the agriculture sector, 6,326 farmers are set to receive free fertilizers and seeds, while five Van Dhan Vikas Kendras will be established as community resource hubs to boost local livelihoods. There are also plans to set up two new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) focusing on skill development programmes tailored for youth from the Bonda and Didayi tribes, Patil said. To strengthen the social fabric, three large community halls will be built to host cultural and social gatherings, reinforcing the holistic vision of the programme. The implementation of PM-JANMAN is a transformative initiative aimed at delivering justice, development, and integration for tribal communities, while preserving their unique cultural identity, the collector said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
From ganja fields to green farms: Swabhiman anchal's silent transformation
1 2 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."
