Statesman News Service
MALDA, Nov. 19: Emami officials may visit Malda on 27 November to review the progress of jatropha cultivation at Nayachar, a barren island at Manikchak. Hundreds of people, who were mostly dependent on fishing, in Nayachar and its adjoining villages are struggling for a better life by cultivating jatropha with the help of the administration. Though the local people were informed about the cultivation in 2005 there were no takers. Since mid 2006 the district administration took a fresh initiative. Finally the officials of Emami expressed their interest in the project and ensured the administration they would buy their produce for producing bio-diesel. After selecting more than 140 acres barren lands on the island and forming self-help groups the Block and district administration inspired the local people to cultivate jatropha by supplying seeds and saplings. The government departments took part in the project starting from the soil tests to producing the saplings. Even the fertiliser producing company undertaken government extended its assistance to the villagers for cultivating jatropha. Initially NREGS (national rural employment guarantee scheme) had helped organise the cultivation process under the leadership of Manikchak block officer. Women also extended their help in the production of the crop. A group of junior staff members of Emami are supervising the new cultivators. The senior officials will meet the district officials and visit the field to monitor the progress of the work. The Block officials expect that when the people would reap the profits after jatropha they will be automatically interested in continuing with the cultivation.
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