Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday said vermicompost enriches the land with nutrients and in the process it serves the Mother Earth.
Baghel said this while virtually releasing an amount of Rs 5.09 crore to the beneficiaries as the 51st installment of Godhan Nyay Yojana at a programme organized here.
He said that nearly 15 lakh quintals of vermicompost made from cow dung bought under Godhan Nyay Yojana have been utilized by farmers. Vermicompost production and its use in place of chemical fertilizers is a service to Mother Earth, he said.
Referring to the feedback from farmers, Baghel said the use of vermicompost has improved soil fertility and crop production to a great extent.
In addition, it has helped to cut dependence on chemical fertilizers. He stressed the need for mass production of vermicompost to ensure availability to more than 26 lakh farmers in the state.
For this, regular purchase of cow dung in Gauthans must be ensured, he said.
He added that in initially some people mocked at the cow dung procurement scheme. However, now it has gained popularity in villages and is appreciated across the country.