Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha Balabhadra Jaivik Chasa Mission was started by the state government to encourage organic farming and lessen the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which have been connected to an increase in cancer cases in the state. In the Assembly, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan expressed worry over the rising number of cancer patients in areas like Bargarh, Sambalpur, and Balangir.
Data shows that between 2021 and 2023, western Odisha had an average of 22,000 new cancer diagnoses, with almost 6,000 of those cases occurring in the Bargarh area alone. One of the main causes of this concerning trend has been found to be the overuse of artificial fertilizers and pesticides in crops.
In order to lower the risk of cancer and to support sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation, the state administration wants to persuade farmers to switch to organic agricultural methods. Experts stress that more study is necessary to draw farmers to organic farming and ensure the initiative’s viability. An important step in tackling Odisha’s rising health issues and advancing environmentally friendly farming methods is the Balabhadra Organic Mission.
