1,500 farmers in Dhamtari embrace the ragi crop over paddy, marking a notable transition from the traditional paddy farming practises
Chhattisgarh Government is making consistent efforts to promote millet crops, aiming to boost agricultural diversification
The Chhattisgarh Government’s initiatives to promote millets are yielding positive results. Farmers in the state are diversifying their crops, moving away from relying solely on paddy cultivation. The state government’s farmer-friendly schemes have influenced this shift, leading to visible changes in the agriculture sector. The state government has made consistent efforts to support and encourage agricultural diversity for the benefit of farmers.
In a remarkable initiative, Chhattisgarh stands out as the sole state in India where millet (Nutri-Cereals) crops such as Kodo, Kutki (little millet), and Ragi (finger millet) are procured at support prices. Moreover, efforts are underway to enhance their value through value addition. As the United Nations declares this year as the ‘Millets Year’, farmers are embracing cash crops, leading to tangible improvements in their lives and a promising way towards economic prosperity.
The ‘Millet Mission’ in the state has yielded significant outcomes as farmers shift from paddy cultivation to Ragi, Kodo, and Kutki crops. In the Dhamtari district alone, around 1,500 farmers have opted for these alternative crops, cultivating them across 1,200 hectares of land, marking a notable transition away from traditional paddy farming practises.
Saganuram Netam, a farmer from Kalarbahar village in the Dhamtari district, has embraced the government’s agricultural schemes by transitioning from paddy to ragi cultivation in recent years. He successfully cultivated 7 quintals of ragi on 1 acre of land, which will be used for seed production. Saganuram shared his positive experience, revealing that he sold ragi seeds worth Rs 25,000 to the Seed Corporation and an additional Rs 17,000 in the market. Comparatively, if he had cultivated paddy, he would have earned Rs 25,000 per 10 quintals, but by cultivating millets, he obtained an extra income of approximately Rs 15000 to Rs 17,000 per acre. He also shared that the concerned department has provided free seeds and vermicompost fertiliser, which has further supported his success. Saganuram highlighted the advantageous aspects of Ragi, emphasising its ability to thrive with limited water, requiring only 125 days to mature, and needing minimal care, for which Ragi has gained popularity among farmers in the area. Inspired by Saganuram’s success, other farmers are also cultivating cash crops.
State government providing subsidies to boost agricultural diversification
Kodo-Kutki is procured at Rs. 3000 per quintal, while Ragi is procured at Rs. 3378 per quintal. Furthermore, under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana, farmers transitioning from paddy to alternative crops receive input subsidies. The state government is also extending support to farmers cultivating horticulture crops alongside other Kharif crops, providing assistance at a rate of Rs. 10,000 per acre. These measures aim to boost agricultural diversification and enhance farmer welfare in Chhattisgarh.
Millets gained popularity: Farmers have embraced the cultivation of nutrient-rich crops
The demand for millet grains is surging due to their nutritional value, prompting farmers to show interest in cultivating these crops. In Chhattisgarh, Ragi, also known as ‘Madiya’, is a prominent millet crop. The ongoing Millet Mission in the state encourages farmers to cultivate millets by providing improved seeds and other necessary assistance. Ragi fetches a favourable price in the market, and its cultivation is relatively simple compared to other crops. Therefore, farmers can earn well with less effort by cultivating Ragi, making it an attractive option for agricultural profitability in Chhattisgarh.
Unlocking the nutritional power: Exploring the health benefits of Ragi
Ragi, a highly valuable crop, boasts a mineral-rich composition including calcium and iron. Additionally, it contains essential nutrients such as folic acid, amino acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents. These properties make it beneficial in preventing diseases like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Ragi is also a reliable source of nutrition, making it advantageous for pregnant women and also combating malnutrition. Moreover, Ragi aids in relieving stress and depression. Notably, it is rich in calcium, which promotes strong bones and overall well-being when incorporated into the diet.