Chhattisgarh CM Advocates for Enhanced Aromatic Rice and Crop Diversity

In a significant move to enhance agricultural and horticultural practices in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at promoting the cultivation of aromatic and fine rice, alongside other key crops such as soybean, palm oil, and flowers. This initiative was announced during a review meeting with the agriculture and horticulture departments.

The Chief Minister underscored the establishment of a Centre for Excellence dedicated to fostering the growth of various crops within the state. Highlighting the rich diversity of Chhattisgarh's agricultural sector, Sai mentioned that the state is home to approximately 200 varieties of aromatic rice, which enjoy considerable demand in the market. He emphasized the importance of making these rice varieties accessible to farmers, not only to meet domestic demand but also to explore export opportunities.

Chhattisgarh's Jashpur district is renowned for its large-scale production of mangoes, litchis, and jackfruits, with tea cultivation also making significant strides in the region. The Chief Minister advocated for the establishment of processing units for these products to further boost their marketability and economic value. Additionally, he called for enhanced focus on flower cultivation across the state.

A strategic project aimed at bolstering the cultivation of soybean, apple, palm oil, and tea at the state level was also proposed by Sai. This initiative is expected to diversify agricultural practices and increase income avenues for farmers in Chhattisgarh.

In an effort to modernize agricultural administration and support systems, officials briefed the Chief Minister on the imminent commencement of e-girdawari work in Mahasamund, Dhamtari, and Kabirdham districts under the Agri Stack programme. This digital initiative will involve creating a comprehensive database of farmers and land maps through geo-referencing of farmers' registries and maps. The implementation of a GIS digital crop survey via a mobile app is anticipated to streamline girdawari processes, ensuring that data is readily available for scheme implementation.

This suite of measures reflects the Chhattisgarh government's commitment to leveraging technology and innovation in agriculture, aiming to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability for farmers across the state. By focusing on both traditional strengths such as aromatic rice cultivation and emerging opportunities in crop diversification and digitalization, Chhattisgarh is poised to make significant strides in its agricultural development.