Raipur. With the aim of increasing the income of farmers in Chhattisgarh and encouraging crop diversification in the agricultural sector, the state government has intensified initiatives towards expanding the cultivation of Basmati paddy. In this regard, a high level meeting was organized under the chairmanship of Agriculture Development Minister Ram Vichar Netam at his residence office in Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur.

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Agriculture Production Commissioner Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi, Agriculture Director Rahul Dev, Research Director Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, officials of Seed Corporation, scientists of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University and representatives of Indian Rice Exporters Federation participated in the meeting.

Government's new strategy to increase farmers' income

During the meeting, Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Netam said that the state government will promote the cultivation of Basmati paddy with the aim of strengthening the economic condition of the farmers and increasing their income. He instructed the officials to work seriously in this direction and implement the necessary schemes soon.

He said that the priority of the government is the welfare of the farmers and every possible step will be taken to increase their income.

Basmati farming will start as a pilot project

Agriculture Production Commissioner Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi said that an agreement has been reached to promote the cultivation of Basmati paddy in the state as a pilot project in the initial phase. He said that Chhattisgarh is already recognized across the country for paddy production, but Basmati and other aromatic rice have special demand in the international and European markets.

Area will be increased by identifying favorable areas

It was decided in the meeting that those areas of the state will be identified where climate, soil and temperature are suitable for Basmati paddy production. A plan will be prepared to provide more benefits to the farmers by increasing the scope of Basmati farming in selected areas. Experts agreed that promoting Basmati farming in the right areas in a scientific manner can significantly increase the income of farmers.

Exporters will get support in buyback and export

Officials of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation assured in the meeting that all possible support will be provided to increase the production and area of ​​Basmati paddy in the state. The federation also committed to provide buyback arrangement for farmers, marketing assistance and promotion of export of aromatic rice to international markets. This will provide better market to the farmers to sell their produce.

Integrated system will be created from production to export

It was agreed in the meeting that a coordinated and systematic system will be developed for production, processing, marketing and export of Basmati paddy. Its objective is to provide better prices to the farmers for their produce and to give Chhattisgarh a new identity in the field of aromatic rice production.