IIFCO to set up training institute for Orrisa farmers

NEW DELHI: From fruit preservation to bee keeping, farmers in Orrisa can now gain expertise in varied aspects of agriculture with agri cooperative IFFCO planning to to set up a training institute in the state.

The fertiliser producing and distribution cooperative, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) would set up the institute at its plant in Paradeep in the coastal state, the government informed Parliament today.

"In the proposed institute, farmers would be trained on best crop practices of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetable and horticultural crops etc. Fruit preservation, fish farming, dairy and poultry, maintenance of agricultural equipment, bee keeping etc," said Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Srikant Kumar Jena, in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

He added that the IFFCO further proposes to carry out soil study to improve soil health and productivity of crops with balanced and integrated use of nutrients.

The cooperative has applied to Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Orissa (IPICOL) for allotment of suitable land near its phosphatic fertilizers complex for setting up the institute.

"The allotment of land is pending with IPICOI," he said.