Union Minister inaugurates ONGC-CSR project to promote organic farming

Rajamendravaram: ONGC, in collaboration with Eklavya foundation has created Centre for Agriculture Research and Training in Telangana for training farmers in organic farming using latest technology.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, inaugurated the CSR project for construction of hostel, classrooms, computer labs and administrative block at the center benefiting more than 3,500 farmers in organic farming.

Speaking on the occasion, minister said, “This area is known for toor dal produce and I dedicate this initiative to my brothers and sisters who are engaged in farming and I hope they will be able to use the facilities created here and understand and adopt modern technology for improving production.”

The minister championed the cause of skill development of farmers to promote organic farming in a big way across the country, and said such noble projects will improve the standard of living of our farmers. Pradhan also said that organic farm produce is another area for promoting export of these products with suitable quality controls and market linkages, helping India become a net exporter in organic produce.

This iconic CSR project, envisioned by the government, has been supported by ONGC to help India develop a sizeable organic farming market. CMD ONGC Shashi Shanker said that the company was proud to be associated with this kind of project through its CSR to empower people towards inclusive development. “Technology induction in agriculture to foster organic farming will be a game changer. This project will usher in a beginning in our agri-economy,” he added.

Dr Alka Mittal, Director HR, ONGC, said that through proper skill development and use of technology, the farmers will be able to migrate to organic farming . The facility will also reach out to farmers in ONGC operational areas in Andhra Pradesh, training them in organic farming and enrolling them in PGS System.