Madhya Pradesh’s Organic Farming Scheme Struggles with Corruption, Exclusive Investigation Reveals

The state agriculture minister has announced that action will be taken regarding the misappropriation of funds earmarked for promoting environmentally friendly farming methods. The funds were meant to support organic farming in the Anuppur district, but local officials have been accused of swindling the money. A thorough investigation conducted by the local administration revealed that the allocated funds from the District Mineral Fund in 2019-20 had been misused. As a result, the administration has recommended that the Economic Offences Wing and the Agriculture Department take action against the involved officials.

The plan was to provide vermicomposting beds, organic manure, earthworms, nets, literature, and training to 5,000 farmers in the district. However, it was found that the materials provided were incomplete and inadequate. Some farmers reported not receiving essential items like earthworms and soil testing reports, while others mentioned that the training was not provided effectively. Despite complaints raised by local farmers and even a former district panchayat member, Buddhsen Rathore, no action was initially taken.

However, the investigation and complaint letters have now been received by the Agriculture Department and the Economic Offences Wing. The state Agriculture Minister, Aidal Singh Kansana, has assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty of corruption. He has also emphasized that the government is committed to addressing such issues proactively.