Visakhapatnam Central Jail Trains 22 Inmates In Agriculture

Visakhapatnam: Contrary to the misconception that prisoners do not contribute to society, Visakhapatnam Central Jail actively engages inmates in productive labour to instill discipline, responsibility and a sense of purpose. The primary objective of imprisonment is not just confinement; it is transformation. Visakhapatnam Central Jail has made significant strides in this direction by offering vocational training and work opportunities across various sectors.

Currently, inmates at Visakhapatnam Central Jail participate in ten distinct types of work: steel furniture manufacturing, weaving and dyeing, tailoring, bookbinding, dry cleaning, phenyl production, baking, printing, agriculture, and dairy farming. Among these, agriculture holds special significance.

Jail Superintendent M. Mahesh Babu told Deccan Chronicle that 22 inmates were currently involved in farming activities. Only those who demonstrate good behaviour are selected for this work and consistent performance may earn them a place on the early release list. Inmates receive a daily honorarium for their labour, half of which can be sent to their families, while the remainder is given to them upon release.

The jail’s agricultural program is both diverse and educational. Inmates cultivate a wide range of vegetables and greens, including okra, brinjal, cabbage, cucumber, bananas, ginger, chilli, curry leaves, coriander, gongura, and spinach, as well as coconut and mango trees. Organic fertilisers are used extensively, and inmates, regardless of prior farming experience, receive training in sustainable cultivation techniques. The prison farm spans 7 to 13 acres and operates on a rotational cropping system to maximise yield and maintain soil health.

While the harvest often meets the jail’s internal demand, any surplus is sold to the public through the Swadhar sales hall at the main gate. This initiative not only supports rehabilitation but also fosters community engagement.

Superintendent Mahesh Babu emphasises that the ultimate aim of imprisonment is reformation. “When inmates walk out of these gates, they should do so as responsible citizens,” he adds.