While inaugurating the Oilseed Farmers Fair in Ambikapur, CM Vishnu Dev Sai called upon the farmers to adopt modern technology and increase oilseed production. Emphasis was laid on increasing the income of farmers through incentives and schemes by the government.
Raipur. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai inaugurated the two-day state level oilseed farmers fair at Rajmohini Devi Agricultural College and Research Center located at Ambikapur in Surguja district. On this occasion, he inspected the stalls set up by various departments and appreciated the modern agricultural techniques being provided to the farmers and the efforts to increase oilseed production.
“One tree in the name of mother” campaign on World Forestry Day, message of environmental protection
During the program, the Chief Minister planted a sapling of the year in the college campus on the occasion of World Forestry Day under the “One Tree in the Name of Mother” campaign. He appealed to all the people to contribute to environmental protection by planting more and more trees.
Chhattisgarh: Agricultural state, 80% population dependent on farming
Addressing the program, the Chief Minister said that India is an agricultural country and Chhattisgarh is called the “Rice Bowl”. About 80 percent of the population here is dependent on agriculture. He said that the state government is purchasing paddy from farmers at the rate of 21 quintals per acre at Rs 3100 and the difference amount is also being paid in lump sum. The Chief Minister said that the government has fulfilled all the promises made to the farmers in the last two years. He interacted with the farmers and also got information about the benefits of the schemes and the status of payment before Holi.
Emphasis on increasing oilseed production, aim to reduce dependence on imports
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that the country has become self-sufficient in food grain production, but there is still a shortage in oilseed production. He said that the country is able to produce only 57 percent of its oilseed needs, while 43 percent has to be imported. To improve this situation, oilseed development projects are being run. He appealed to the farmers to increase oilseed production by adopting the suggestions of scientists.
Incentive of Rs 11 thousand per acre on oilseed crops, focus on supporting businesses also
The Chief Minister informed that on the lines of Krishak Unnati Yojana, an incentive amount of Rs 11 thousand per acre will be given for oilseed crops. Along with this, he stressed on increasing income by adopting subsidiary businesses like animal husbandry, milk production and fisheries. He said that after the reform in GST, the prices of agricultural equipment have come down, due to which farmers are getting benefits.
Statement of Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Netam: It is necessary to become self-reliant in edible oil.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Netam said that it is very important to make the country self-reliant in edible oil production. He appealed to the farmers to increase the production of pulses and oilseed crops.
Farmers are getting benefits from agricultural university and training
Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Dr. Girish Chandel said that under the Oilseeds Development Programme, improved seeds are being provided to the farmers. Every year, about 50 thousand farmers are being trained through 28 agricultural colleges, 27 agricultural science centers and research institutes of the state.
Presence of public representatives and officials in the program
On this occasion, Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, MP Chintamani Maharaj, MLA Prabodh Minj, MLA Ramkumar Toppo, Youth Commission Chairman Vishwa Vijay Singh Tomar, Mayor Manjusha Bhagat and many public representatives and officials were present.