Fine and aromatic paddy promotion, crop diversification and allied farming to drive higher farmer incomes
TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 31, 2026: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday announced that a special agriculture policy tailored to Chhattisgarh’s agro-climatic conditions will soon be formulated in coordination with the state government, with the objective of strengthening farm productivity and enhancing farmers’ incomes. He said a joint team of senior agricultural scientists from the Centre and state officials would prepare the framework within the next week.
The announcement came after a high-level review meeting of the Agriculture Department held at Mahanadi Bhavan in Raipur, attended by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Singh, Agriculture Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary Smt. Shaila Nigar, along with senior officers from the Union and state governments.
Addressing officials after the review, Shri Chouhan emphasised the need for crop diversification and the promotion of fine and aromatic paddy varieties to increase farm income and expand export potential. He underlined that Chhattisgarh’s diverse climatic zones offer significant opportunities for cultivating a wide range of crops, and district-specific agricultural planning should be encouraged in line with local agro-climatic conditions.
The Union Minister also stressed the importance of encouraging small and marginal farmers to adopt allied activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries and forestry alongside traditional farming to ensure sustainable livelihoods. He noted that innovation-driven agriculture, modern equipment and scientific research must directly benefit farmers at the grassroots level.
During the review, Shri Chouhan examined the progress of several key Central and state schemes, including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Agricultural Irrigation Scheme, Mission for Self-Reliance in Pulses, Krishi Unnati initiatives and the Horticulture Mission. He directed officials to ensure 100 per cent coverage of eligible farmers under the PM Kisan scheme and highlighted the need to promote crops such as palm oil and makhana in suitable regions.
The meeting also included discussions on strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), physical verification of agricultural machinery distribution and the implementation of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhanya District Scheme. Interacting with agricultural officers, the Union Minister called for teamwork, transparency and innovation, stating that outstanding performers would be duly recognised.
Praising the efforts of the Chhattisgarh government, Shri Chouhan said commendable work was being carried out under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai in both agriculture and rural development sectors. He added that better coordination between the Centre and the state had opened vast possibilities for growth and experimentation in the agricultural domain.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Union Agriculture Minister for extending prompt and proactive support to the state. He said the guidance and directions received during the meeting would significantly accelerate rural development and agricultural progress in Chhattisgarh, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and the rural economy.
