Exclusive: In Madhya Pradesh, Organic Farming Scheme Wilts In Soil Of Corruption

An investigation by the local administration in a tribal-dominated district has revealed that crores of rupees were allegedly swindled by officials.

At 16.37 lakh hectares, Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under organic farming in the country and an attempt to give this a boost has fallen prey to corruption, an investigation has revealed. Crores of rupees earmarked to promote the environmentally friendly method of farming, which is good for the soil, crops and even consumers, have allegedly been swindled by local officials.

The state government has said it will look into the matter and take appropriate action.

In the tribal-dominated Anuppur district, the local administration conducted a thorough investigation and found that the money allocated from the District Mineral Fund in 2019-20 to promote organic farming in the area has been misappropriated. The administration has now recommended that the Economic Offences Wing and the Agriculture Department take action against the officials involved.