JASHPUR, 30 June 2025: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai recently reaffirmed his government’s strong commitment to farmer welfare and prosperity, highlighting the crucial role of technology, market access, and scientific tools such as Soil Health Cards in improving agricultural productivity and incomes.
Sai was virtually inaugurating the Agri-Horti Expo and Buyers-Sellers Meet, organised under the Krishi Kranti Abhiyan, from his camp office in Bagia, Jashpur district.
Describing the expo as a “milestone” for Jashpur’s agricultural progress, the chief minister praised the district administration’s innovative approach. He officially launched the Krishi Kranti campaign, aimed at linking local farmers directly with national agri-businesses.
Through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), farmers will be able to sign direct crop sale agreements with these companies, bypassing middlemen and ensuring fair prices for their produce. Leading agribusiness firms are participating in the two-day event being held at the Zila Panchayat complex.
Highlighting the importance of sustainable and scientific farming practices, CM Sai underlined the benefits of Soil Health Cards, describing them as “essential tools” for raising yields and cutting input costs.
“These cards help determine which crops are best suited for a particular soil type, and the exact fertiliser requirements, so farmers can make informed decisions,” he said. Agricultural scientists, he added, are travelling across the state to build awareness around soil health and modern farming practices.
The chief minister noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, initiatives like the PM Fasal Bima Yojana and PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi are providing significant income support to farmers. Chhattisgarh’s own programs complement these by procuring paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal (for up to 21 quintals per acre), collecting forest produce at minimum support prices, and encouraging processing and export-oriented agriculture.
Sai emphasised Jashpur’s rich horticultural capacity, pointing to its production of mango, jackfruit, litchi, pear, and the recent success of apple cultivation. The district, he said, is poised to become an agri-horti powerhouse in the region.
In addition to horticulture, Sai highlighted the state’s focus on animal husbandry, fisheries, and dairy development. Jashpur is among six districts chosen for a pilot project under the Dairy Development Scheme, further diversifying rural income streams.
Farmers and FPOs at the expo are showcasing high-quality organic produce, including varieties of paddy, kutki, ragi, ramtil, and chilli. Competitions are being held to reward excellence in mango and pear cultivation, as well as innovative farming methods, with cash prizes to encourage innovation and best practices among farmers.
Image credit: jantakiaawaz.in
