Sowing Change: IAS Nalini Atul’s 5-Year Plan to Transform Koppal’s Agri Landscape (Karnataka)

IAS Nalini Atul is a 2014 Batch officer of Karnataka cadre and is currently posted as Deputy Commissioner of Koppal District, Karnataka. His Vision for the district focuses on three major fronts- Agricultural Diversification and Horticulture Development, Early Childhood Education and Tourism.

“Our district has immense potential in horticulture and allied agricultural sectors. To harness this, we’ve developed a five-year integrated agricultural plan” said Atul.

This ambitious action plan aims to boost agricultural productivity, enhance farmers income and ensure rural sustainability. It targets a 4% annual agricultural growth rate, a 20% increase in organic farming, a 20% rise in agricultural exports annually and a reduction in post-harvest losses to below 10%.

The plan focuses on expanding and diversifying horticulture and allied sectors such as sericulture, pisciculture and animal husbandry.

“Over 1.5 lakh hectares will be brought under plantation, with a strong push for organic farming, value addition, and market linkages”he added.

In animal husbandry, the district aims to raise milk production from 2.37 lakh tons to 3.6 lakh tons annually and increase egg production.

To further strengthen market access, the plan includes establishing cold storages, processing units, and expanding Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Additionally Making use of existing institutions like the Rice Tech Park and the Horticulture College are also being leveraged for value addition and branding

Driven to make change, In 2024 Atul was also awarded Nexus of Good Annual Award for his  work in the field of Early Childhood Care and Education. The initiative was related to early education for children in Anganwadi centres and benefited more than 100,000 children.

“I was the Chair of the Curriculum Committee, and we developed a structured curriculum for them. The idea is to ensure that every child in this age group receives proper early childhood care and education. Since most of our children are enrolled in Anganwadis, it's important that they get these foundational learning opportunities” He explained

Tourism is the third major focus area under his leadership. “We’re building Brand Koppal” Atul said “because the district lies between two UNESCO World Heritage clusters”

By leveraging its geographic advantage, strengthening core sectors,and investing in human capital, Nalini Atul is working to script a new growth story for Koppal.