TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 23, 2024: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the vital role of farmers in shaping a developed India while inaugurating the Agri Carnival-2024 “National Farmers’ Fair and Agricultural Exhibition” at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University in Raipur. The four-day event focuses on modernizing farming practices and increasing farmers’ income through diverse agricultural initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai urged farmers to expand their efforts beyond paddy cultivation to include fisheries, animal husbandry, and horticultural crops, which could significantly boost their earnings. “Our government prioritizes modernizing agriculture and supporting farmers to increase their income,” he said. Highlighting the state’s achievements, the Chief Minister recalled transferring Rs 3,716 crore in paddy bonuses to 13 lakh farmers and reiterated his commitment to ensuring fair prices and support for paddy procurement. Paddy purchases for this season are set to begin on November 14, with another record procurement anticipated.
The event featured a range of activities aimed at enhancing agricultural knowledge. A job fair connected young agricultural graduates with employment opportunities, while an exhibition showcased advanced farming equipment. The Chief Minister also distributed mini kits of new lentil varieties to six farmers and provided offer letters to six graduates selected by various companies.
Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam stressed the importance of crop rotation, packaging, and marketing for boosting agricultural income, while MP Raipur Shri Brijmohan Agarwal commended the government’s efforts in making paddy cultivation a profitable venture for farmers.
The event also hosted workshops on agricultural exports, modern breeding techniques, and biodiversity, with over 400 progressive farmers, young entrepreneurs, and researchers in attendance. International experts from institutions such as the International Rice Research Institute provided training to 211 scientists on cutting-edge rice breeding and data analysis techniques.
The Agri Carnival-2024 will continue until October 25, offering field visits, exhibitions, and further educational programs designed to empower Chhattisgarh’s agricultural community.
