Raipur: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Friday said that the Centre, in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh government, will formulate a special agriculture policy aligned with the state’s agro-climatic conditions. The policy is expected to be drafted within a week by a joint team of senior agricultural scientists from the Central Government and officials from the State Government.
The announcement was made during a high-level review meeting of the Agriculture Department held at Mahanadi Bhavan Secretariat, chaired by Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
High-Level Meeting Attended by Senior Leaders and Officials
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma, Agriculture Minister Mr. Ramvichar Netam, Chief Secretary Mr. Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Subodh Singh, Agriculture Production Commissioner and Secretary Shahla Nigar, along with senior administrative officers from both the Central and State governments.
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Focus on Crop Diversification and Allied Activities
Addressing the officers after the review, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the need to promote crop diversification to enhance farmers’ income. They emphasized that subsidiary activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries, and forestry should be encouraged, especially for small and marginal farmers, to ensure income stability.
Union Minister Mr. Chouhan said Chhattisgarh’s agro-climate offers immense scope for diversified agriculture, and district-specific crop planning should be adopted based on local conditions.
Promoting Fine and Aromatic Rice Varieties
Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the importance of promoting fine and aromatic rice varieties to improve farm incomes. He said that research and variety development challenges in the state would be addressed on priority and that agricultural research must directly benefit farmers.
He noted that Chhattisgarh has shown strong coordination between departments, creating scope for further agricultural innovation and experimentation.
Review of Key Agricultural Schemes
The Union Agriculture Minister reviewed the implementation of several Central and State Government schemes, including:
- PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
- Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses
- Krishi Unnati Scheme
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
- Horticulture Mission
- Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhan Yojana (Prime Minister’s Grain and Wealth Scheme)
He stressed that it must be ensured that 100% of eligible farmers receive benefits under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
Strengthening FPOs and Monitoring Scheme Implementation
Mr. Chouhan also reviewed the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) strengthening scheme, physical verification of agricultural machinery distribution, and emphasized transparency and accountability in implementation.
Interacting with agriculture officers, he encouraged teamwork and innovation, assuring that officers delivering good results would be rewarded.
Push for Palm Oil and Makhana Cultivation
Highlighting future growth areas, the Union Minister emphasized promoting the cultivation of palm oil and makhana (fox nut) in suitable regions of Chhattisgarh to diversify crops and boost farmers’ incomes.
Centre’s Commitment to Farmers’ Income Growth
Union Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, continuous and focused efforts are being made nationwide to increase farmers’ income. He stressed the adoption of modern agricultural equipment, advanced techniques, and innovative farming practices to improve productivity and strengthen rural prosperity.
He praised the Chhattisgarh government, stating that excellent work is being done under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai in the agriculture and rural development sectors.
CM Sai Expresses Gratitude to Centre
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Union Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the prompt and extensive support being extended to Chhattisgarh.
He said the state is receiving more assistance from the Central Government than expected, and the guidance provided during the review meeting would accelerate development in agriculture and rural development across the state.
