District Farmers are embracing crop diversification under Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana*

SHURTI THAKUR 

Janjgir-Champa 26 May 2023// Until recently, farmers in the state limited themselves to paddy cultivation, without exploring the possibilities of growing other crops. However, the introduction of the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana by Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel has brought about a paradigm shift, encouraging farmers to explore a wider range of crops. The Chhattisgarh government is offering a subsidy of Rs 9,000 to 10,000 per acre to farmers for cultivating crops other than paddy. Consequently, farmers in the district are transitioning from paddy cultivation to alternative crops.

In the same series, Shri Laxmi Jaiswal, a progressive farmer from Rasota village in the Pamgarh development block of the district, has shifted from cultivating paddy to cultivating groundnuts, benefiting from subsidies offered under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana. He mentioned that initially, he indulged in paddy cultivation in his fields. However, upon learning about the subsidies provided by the state government under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana for cultivating crops other than paddy, he decided to switch to cultivating groundnuts. He also received support from the agricultural department for this initiative.

Shri Jaiswal further explained that choosing alternative crops instead of paddy not only helps maintain soil quality but also ensures a steady and higher income during a specific period. Presently, he is cultivating groundnuts on 3 acres of land, generating an income of about Rs 60,000 per acre and earning lakhs of rupees in total. He intends to expand the cultivation of groundnuts in the upcoming season. He expressed gratitude to the Chhattisgarh government for the assistance provided through this scheme.