Farmers at their field in Sohdih village. Picture by Nagendra Kumar Singh

Biharsharif, Feb. 8: The state government’s initiative to promote organic farming, it seems, is bearing fruit.

When The Telegraph visited Sohdih village in Nalanda district, it came across about 250 farmers involved in organic farming and are doing good business.

Rakesh Kumar looked relaxed with his field full of potatoes. “I never expected that I would do such good business. Earlier, I had to spend a lot of money on fertilisers but with the introduction of organic farming, things have changed for the better. Every month, I can save up to Rs 1,600, which was never possible earlier,” he said.

Elaborating on organic farming, he said: “The best part of organic farming is that it needs much less water, and at the same time, the quality and taste of potatoes are also good.”

Explaining the process, another farmer of the village said: “We put natural fertilisers, insecticides and pesticides. We are thankful to the state government for giving 50 per cent subsidy for production of wormy compost, which is again a natural fertiliser.”

Organic farming is being carried out on 160 hectares in Sohdih village.

Nageshwar Prasad, another farmer, said: “Organic farming is helping us in several ways. These potatoes can be kept for three months.”