A coordinated team of scientists, farmers and administrators will be constituted in Chhattisgarh to accelerate agricultural development, promote crop diversification and enhance farm productivity in line with local agro climatic conditions, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in Raipur on Friday.
Addressing a state level review meeting followed by a press interaction, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the joint team comprising experts from the Central and State governments, agricultural scientists and progressive farmers will begin work this week. The initiative aims to implement integrated farming systems and diversified income models to help small and marginal farmers sustainably increase earnings through modern technology and scientific practices.
The Union Minister said Chhattisgarh is witnessing notable progress in agriculture and rural development under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. He shared that Centre State cooperation is driving a comprehensive transformation covering farming, rural infrastructure, housing and women’s empowerment. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma and State Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam were present during the interaction.
During field visits at Khapri, Shri Chouhan reviewed the adoption of modern agricultural practices and observed advanced cultivation techniques in fruit and vegetable farming, grafting nurseries and the Bhata method for tomato and capsicum. He also reviewed cultivation of high value crops such as dragon fruit, dates, blueberries and bananas. He noted that while traditional crops generate an income of about ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 per acre, modern horticulture and high technology farming can raise income levels to ₹1–2 lakh per acre. Agriculture department teams demonstrated scientific pesticide use, disease management and selection of high yielding varieties.
Shri Chouhan announced special initiatives to promote pulse cultivation on fallow lands, assuring procurement of lentil, urad, moong and arhar at Minimum Support Price. Oilseed production, including groundnut, mustard and palm oil, will also be actively encouraged to strengthen crop diversification and national self reliance.
He said integrated farming systems combining animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, industrial crops and organic farming will be expanded across the state to provide multiple and stable income streams for farmers.
Highlighting rural development achievements, Shri Chouhan said that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 18,12,742 houses have been sanctioned and delivered in Chhattisgarh in the past one and a half years. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 10,199 roads spanning 47,847 kilometres and 123 major bridges have been constructed, significantly improving rural connectivity.
On women’s empowerment, the Union Minister said the Lakhpati Didi scheme is progressing rapidly. Currently, 30,68,000 women are linked with 2,76,000 self help groups, while 4,32,000 women are engaged in micro enterprises. Credit support amounting to ₹11,196.16 crore has been extended to women beneficiaries, strengthening livelihoods and economic independence.
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Central and State governments are working in close coordination to accelerate agricultural growth and rural prosperity in Chhattisgarh. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he said, the government remains committed to empowering farmers, strengthening villages and ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across the state.
