Organic Farming and Agri-Tech to Transform Rural Economy

*Organic Farming, Modern Technology and Better Market Access Will Increase Farmers’ Income: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai* *Chief Minister Attends Organic Farmers’ Fair and Natural Farming Workshop in Kunkuri* Raipur, June 20, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Organic Farmers’ Fair and Natural & Organic Farming Workshop organised under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan at the College of Agriculture and Research Centre, Kunkuri, in Jashpur district on June 20. Addressing farmers, the Chief Minister said that farmers' prosperity is the foundation of a Developed India and a Developed Chhattisgarh. He emphasised that farmers’ income can be increased through modern agricultural technologies, improved crop selection, natural and organic farming, and better marketing systems. He urged farmers to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and adopt sustainable farming practices that improve soil health and reduce production costs. He noted that alternatives such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP are helping farmers lower input costs while maintaining soil fertility. He stressed the importance of combining traditional agricultural knowledge with modern technology to make farming more profitable and sustainable. During the programme, farmers received information on natural farming, organic agriculture, drone technology, modern farm machinery, animal husbandry, fisheries and advanced agricultural practices. A live demonstration of drone-based pesticide spraying and exhibitions on agricultural innovations attracted significant interest among farmers. *Outstanding Farmers Honoured* Chief Minister Shri Sai honoured farmers for their exceptional achievements. Shri Mahesh Singh of Khonga village was recognised for excellence in organic farming, Shri Sukhram of Lakhajhar village for producing a 33-kilogram jackfruit, and Shri Vijay Bhushan of Thethetangar for producing a mango weighing 2.5 kilograms. He also distributed a land ownership certificate under the SVAMITVA Yojana to farmer Shri Gupteshwar. *Agreement Signed for Marketing of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops* In the presence of the Chief Minister, an agreement was signed between the Jashpur district administration and Semina Agro Private Limited to market medicinal and aromatic crops. The initiative is expected to provide farmers with better market access, promote value addition and strengthen the local agricultural economy. The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, several measures have been taken to strengthen agriculture and increase farmers’ income. *Bagia Irrigation Project to Benefit 5,000 Hectares* Shri Sai informed that the Bagia Pressurised Irrigation Scheme, selected among 100 major projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, will provide irrigation facilities to nearly 5,000 hectares of farmland across 14 villages through a pipeline-based system without requiring land acquisition. He also noted that Jashpur, along with Dantewada and Korba, has been selected under the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which will further accelerate agricultural development in the district. The Chief Minister said that the state government is strengthening good governance through digital initiatives, including over 400 services on the e-District Portal, Atal Digital Service Centres in Gram Panchayats and the Chief Minister Helpline 1076 for prompt grievance redressal. Pathalgaon MLA and Vice-Chairperson of the Surguja Tribal Development Authority Smt. Gomati Sai, Jashpur MLA Smt. Raymuni Bhagat, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Shri Rampratap Singh, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Antyavasayi Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Shri Surendra Kumar Basera, Zila Panchayat President Shri Salik Sai, Zila Panchayat Vice-President Shri Shaurya Pratap Singh Judev, Vice-Chairperson of Jashpur Municipality Shri Yashpratap Singh Judev, along with a large number of farmers, public representatives and government officials, were present.