- Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam distributed bonus amount to farmers at Kerata Sugar Factory, stressed on adopting organic farming and crop diversification.
In order to economically empower sugarcane producing farmers in Chhattisgarh, the state government has increased the purchase price of sugarcane to Rs 425 per quintal. Along with this, farmers are also being given the benefit of bonus. Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam distributed the bonus amount to the farmers at the gratitude and Krishak Chaupal program organized on Thursday at Maa Mahamaya Sugar Factory Kerta in Surajpur district. Farmers expressed their gratitude to the state government for the decision to increase the sugarcane purchase price.
Addressing the program, Agriculture Minister Netam said that farmers are the foundation of the country’s economy and food security. Their hard work fulfills the nation’s food needs. The well-being and economic prosperity of farmers are among the top priorities of the state government. He added that farmers’ prosperity is the foundation of the state’s progress.
The Minister stated that the initiative to establish the Maa Mahamaya Sugar Factory was initiated in response to the needs and demands of sugarcane farmers in the Surguja region. Its objective was to provide farmers with a fair price for their produce and to promote agriculture-based industrial activities in the region. Now, there is a need to further develop the factory and increase its economic potential through value addition.
The Agriculture Minister urged farmers to adopt alternative crops like pulses and oilseeds in addition to paddy. He stated that under established provisions, farmers will be given an incentive of 15,000 rupees to encourage the cultivation of these alternative crops instead of paddy. He added that crop diversification can make farming more profitable.
Emphasizing modern and sustainable agricultural practices, Netam said that with scientific technology and the guidance of agricultural experts, better production can be achieved even with less water and balanced fertilizer use. He cited the adverse effects on health and the environment of excessive use of chemical pesticides and encouraged farmers to adopt organic and natural farming.
Pratappur MLA Shakuntala Porte expressed her gratitude to the state government for increasing the sugarcane purchase price. She said that from the establishment of the Maa Mahamaya Sugar Factory to its development, the interests of farmers have been given priority. Through the efforts of the Chief Minister and the Agriculture Minister, continuous work is being done to strengthen sugarcane-producing farmers financially.
Collector Rena Jamil said that the announcement of the revolving fund has renewed enthusiasm among sugarcane farmers. Under the upcoming action plan, special efforts will be made to increase the factory’s recovery rate and expand sugarcane cultivation area. This will increase the factory’s production capacity and provide greater economic benefits to farmers.
Farmers shared their problems, experiences, and suggestions at the Krishak Chaupal. Listening to them, the Agriculture Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to the development of the agricultural sector and the expansion of facilities for farmers. District Panchayat President Chandramani Paikra, Additional Collector Nayantara Singh Tomar, SDM Ramesh Mor, Agriculture Officer Sampada Paikra, along with public representatives, departmental officials, and a large number of sugarcane-producing farmers were present.