Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday called for workshops at block level to encourage and create awareness among farmers to take up crop diversification.
He was holding a review meeting of the major government schemes with senior officials here, an official communication said.
Baghel said the officers, employees and field staff of the agriculture department should get in touch with farmers to motivate them to take up more profitable crops. It should be based on the quality of land in different districts.
As per the demand raised by the Indian government for polished rice (Arwa), the supply of ‘Usna’ (parboiled rice) should be reduced. The farmers can be asked to grow ‘Arwa’ varieties of paddy, he said.
On crop diversification, the Chief Minister said farmers should be inspired to take kodo, kutki, arhar and mustard in Bastar and horticulture crops in Jashpur,
Sugarcane production should start in Bemetara and maize in Balrampur, Bastar, Janjgir, Mahasamund and Dhamtari districts. He also suggested cultivation of tea and coffee keeping in mind the climatic and geographical conditions.
Kawardha district has performed better by taking up kodo, urad, pulses, banana and soybean crops.
Under the Chief Minister's Tree Plantation Promotion Scheme, in the current year 1.25 crore saplings would be distributed free of cost to the farmers by the Forest Department.