Malkangiri, Feb 19: A district-level Fisheries and Livestock Fair was organized in Malkangiri district to promote the development of agriculture and farmers concluded yesterday. Around 500 farmers from across the district, showcasing their successful farming techniques, participated in the event. With various agricultural stalls set up at the fair, locals visited to learn new methods and discover ways to generate employment.

The fair, held in the Adivasi field in Malkangiri, aims to educate the public about modern farming techniques and new livestock management practices. The government’s primary goal is to demonstrate contemporary farming and livestock techniques while rewarding successful farmers and spreading their experiences to others. Farmers from five blocks of the district participated by displaying their farming practices. Among them, 250 farmers from the Fisheries Department and another 250 from the Livestock Department showcased their work.

The fair also aimed to educate the people about various government schemes that could help them become self-reliant. District Collector Somesh Upadhyay, who attended as the chief guest, provided information about various state government schemes for farmers.

Key exhibits and displays:

Various stalls displayed different agricultural techniques. Farmers showcased ‘Jersey’ cow rearing for higher milk production, ponies for carrying loads in hilly areas, Serrohi sheep farming for quick profit, Yorkshires for meat production, and poultry farming with birds like Guinea fowl, and turkeys. These farming practices were shared as potential sources of income for the local population.

Women farmers from the district’s self-help groups also spoke about how fish farming had brought them substantial profits. These women, who were once dependent on their husbands, are now self-reliant, with some even leaving traditional jobs to set up poultry farms. One such woman shared that her poultry farm generates an annual profit of 12 lakh rupees.

The fair highlighted how both men and women, including those from the tribal communities of Malkangiri, are becoming self-sufficient by engaging in various forms of farming like dairy, poultry, fish farming, and livestock rearing. These opportunities are contributing to the region’s economic growth and serving as a milestone for district development.