Orissa govt to probe into adverse effects on cashew production

Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (UNI) The Orissa government has decided to inquire into the alleged adverse effect of smoke emanating from the industrial units on the cashew production, State Agriculture Minister Surendranath Naik told the Assembly today.

Replying to a question of Mr Ranendra Pratap Swain (BJD), the Minister said while Orissa Cashew Development Corporation had lodged a complaint with the industrial units in Kendrapara and Jajpur, the cashew farmers of Athagarha constituency had lodged a complaint with the government on February 14.

The government, he added, had decided to inquire into the allegations on February 22.

As per an estimate, cashew was being cultivated on 1,24,000 hectares of land.

The major cashew producing districts were Koraput (6049.34 hectares), Khurda (3,627.74 hectares), Sundergarh (2550.29 hecatres) Jajpur (2209.42 hectares), Cuttack (1869.63 hecatres), Dhenkanal (1649.34 hectares).

In Kendrapara, cashew was being cultivated on 311.33 hectares of land, the Minister said.

The government, Mr Naik said, had received complaints against Oswal Fertiliser plant renamed as Indian Farmers Fertiliser plant in Kendrapara for adversely affecting the cashew garden in Ramnagar, Bahakuda, Pitapata, Sponge Iron factory, Badakendua for affecting the cashew garden at Raijhar in Jajpur district.

Complaints were also received against Aarati Steel, Cuttack, for affecting the Ghantikhal cashew garden, Bhusan Steel, Banarpal for polluting the Nimidha cashew garden in Dhenkanal and Talcher Thermal Power Station for destroying the Sandakumusi, Roadpanigaingutia cashew gardens in Dhenkanal district, the Minister added.

UNI BD KK SBC RS1944