TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 28, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today virtually inaugurated the Agri-Horti Expo and Buyer-Seller Conference at the District Panchayat premises in Jashpur, marking a significant step forward under the state’s Krishi Kranti Abhiyan to empower farmers through modern technology and market reforms. The two-day event brings together major agricultural companies like Jio Mart Retail, Dehat, Honest Farm, Atmakur, Dharagri, and Avni Ayurveda, providing farmers direct access to crop sale contracts via Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair prices.
Addressing the gathering from the Chief Minister’s Camp Office at Bagiya, Jashpur, Shri Sai reaffirmed the government’s commitment to farmer prosperity. “By adopting cutting-edge technology and fostering direct market linkages, we will economically empower the food providers of Chhattisgarh,” he said, calling this event a milestone in the agricultural history of Jashpur. Highlighting the importance of the Krishi Kranti campaign, he noted that nearly 80 percent of Chhattisgarh’s population depends on agriculture and allied activities.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, numerous schemes such as the Crop Insurance Scheme and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi are raising farmers’ incomes. The state government supplements these with support prices for paddy (₹3,100 per quintal), collection of forest produce at support prices, and initiatives in processing and export to enhance agricultural revenue.
Chief Minister Sai spotlighted Jashpur’s rich production of jackfruit, mango, litchi, pear, and emerging apple cultivation. He emphasized that this conference facilitates direct communication between farmers and buyers, allowing FPOs to sell produce at fair prices without middlemen interference.
Sai also elaborated on the critical role of the Soil Health Card, which guides farmers on optimal crop choices and fertilizer requirements. Agricultural scientists are actively raising awareness across the state. Besides agriculture, the government is promoting animal husbandry, fish farming, and dairy development, with Jashpur among six districts selected for a dairy pilot scheme.
In virtual addresses, MP Shri Radheshyam Rathia highlighted Jashpur’s natural environment and stressed water conservation’s vital role in boosting farmer incomes. MLA Smt. Raimuni Bhagat applauded the district’s rapid innovation adoption and praised the conference for facilitating beneficial farmer-company contracts.
District Panchayat Chairman Mr. Salik Say emphasized the district’s leadership in mango, chilli, and pear production and called for encouragement of pulses and oilseeds alongside paddy cultivation. District Collector Mr. Rohit Vyas and District Panchayat CEO Mr. Abhishek Kumar detailed the Expo’s benefits and upcoming programs, complemented by a video presentation on innovative farming techniques.
Senior officials including IG Mr. Deepak Kumar Jha, Superintendent of Police Mr. Shashi Mohan Singh, and local dignitaries attended the event.
Expo to Showcase Advanced Farming Technologies and Contract Farming Opportunities
The Agri-Horti Expo features representatives from NABARD and APEDA providing insights on agricultural marketing, organic certification, and more. Senior state scientists will share knowledge on GI tagging of crop varieties, scientific farming methods for agricultural and horticultural crops, while silk experts will discuss sericulture practices.
A key feature is the contract farming discussion forum where farmers and companies will negotiate and finalize contracts, promoting transparent and profitable partnerships.
The event also hosts a crop exhibition showcasing varieties such as organic paddy, kutki, ragi, pear, litchi, ramtil, tau, chilli, and aromatic paddy by FPO-associated farmers. Innovation competitions for mango and pear cultivation will reward top farmers with prizes to encourage advanced agricultural practices.
This initiative exemplifies Chhattisgarh’s holistic approach to agriculture, combining technology, market access, and farmer welfare to usher in a new era of prosperity for the state’s farming community.
