Jharkhand fights Naxalism with agriculture

29 January, 2013

In a unique initiative, the government in Jharkhand is using technology to dissuade people from fleeing their ancestral villages due to fear of Maoists. Not only has the initiative put a cap on migration, but the people of the affected villages have started maintaining distance from Naxals.

The government has been trying its best to help such people in earning a decent living in their own villages. It has helped villagers in Jharkhand, especially in the state's Gumla district, to grow vegetables, which has dissuaded them from emigrating. The government has been putting its best feet forward to help them learn technology involved in the process of agriculture.

Shubhendu Jha, Deputy Commissioner, Gumla district, said in this ANI video: “Due to absence of industries, people of Gumla were migrating. To stop this, authorities have launched various initiatives. We are helping farmers by providing them information about technology involved in agriculture. Thus, we have stopped migration. Adoption of these techniques is not only helping them but has also reduced their engagement with Naxal activities.”

Sushil, a farmer seems to be happy with the government initiative. “Earlier, I went to different places for work, but could not get a proper job. I returned here and now I am practising agriculture. I am growing watermelons with the help of a check dam. It is beneficial for me and I am getting good benefits,” Sushil (known only by first name) said.

The youths, often misled by the Naxals, need to carry out such agricultural work in order to earn a decent living. Such steps should be taken by other state governments as well to deal with Naxalite problem.