Jharkhand became a state by separating from Bihar in 2000.Though it is mineral rich state, more than 70% of population depend on agriculture. The main crop is paddy grown by almost all the farmers mainly in kharif season. The farmers use to get poor yield with very less profit.
The horticultural crops like fruits, vegetables, spices etc are also grown by the farmers and some vegetables like cole crops, French bean, tomato are grown throughout the year. Farmers indiscriminate use of insecticide & fungicide in these crops make it unusable for food & create many diseases.
Thus, to check the use of synthetic chemicals & inputs, organic farming is necessary. Keeping this in view, state government formed a society “Organic Farming Authority of Jharkhand” in the year 2012-13. Under this authority thirteen districts under tribal sub plan(TSP) namely Ranchi, Khunti, Lohardaga, Gumla, West singhbhum, East singhbhum, Saraikela-kharshawan, Dumka, Simdega,Latehar, Jamtara, Pakur & Sahebgunj have been included. Under the “OFAJ” three separate mission for different horticultural crops have been setup as below:
State Organic Mission:
- Total Area-15700 hectare
- Fund allotted-10.00 crore
- Total districts-13
- Identified crops(vegetables)- Pea, Okra, Shimla mirch, French bean, Broccoli
State spices mission:
- Total Area- 7610 hectare
- Fund allotted- 5.00 crore
- Total districts-13
- Identified crops-Ginger, Turmeric, Coriander, Garlic, Chilli.
State Medicinal mission:
- Total Area-3000 hectare
- Fund allotted-2.00 crore
- Total districts-13
- Identified crops- Kalmegh, Alovera, shatawar.