- A review meeting of agriculture and allied departments of Surguja division was held under the chairmanship of Agriculture Production Commissioner.
- Achievements of Kharif 2026 reviewed, detailed discussions held on preparations and action plan for Rabi 2026-27
- Special emphasis on crop diversification, quality production and agricultural innovations, instructions to ensure timely delivery of scheme benefits to farmers
- Emphasis on increasing the area under pulses and oilseeds along with promoting cultivation of litchi, strawberry, potato and oil palm in Surguja
To increase the income of farmers and make agriculture more profitable, animal husbandry, poultry farming, fisheries and horticulture activities should be promoted along with traditional farming. There are vast possibilities for the development of agriculture and allied sectors in Surguja division. Keeping in mind the local climate, available resources and the needs of the farmers, an effective action plan should be prepared for crop diversification and expansion of agriculture-based livelihood activities. Agriculture Production Commissioner Shri Siddharth Komal Pardeshi gave these instructions to the officials in the divisional review meeting of agriculture and allied departments held in Ambikapur on Thursday.
The meeting reviewed in detail the progress of the schemes and programmes run by the Agriculture and allied departments during the Kharif year 2026. Discussions were also held regarding preparations for the upcoming Rabi season 2026-27, availability of seeds and fertilizers, crop diversification, increasing agricultural production and ensuring maximum benefits of government schemes to farmers. Agriculture Production Commissioner Mr. Pardeshi said that all the districts of the Surguja division, along with the state, have performed well in the Kharif season. Building on this achievement, all departments should ensure the achievement of set targets with better coordination in the Rabi season as well.
- Crop diversification will increase farmers’ income, promote pulses, oilseeds and natural farming
Agriculture Production Commissioner Mr. Pardeshi said that it is necessary to encourage farmers to cultivate alternative and more profitable crops along with traditional crops. There is good potential for expansion of pulses, oilseeds, natural farming and horticultural crops in Surguja division. He directed to increase additional area coverage by utilizing the available moisture in Rabi crop and to encourage alternative crops in place of summer paddy. He laid special emphasis on the use of improved and certified seeds, balanced fertilizer management, soil health conservation and adoption of scientific agricultural techniques for quality agricultural production.
Reviewing the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA), he directed farmers to maximize the benefits of the scheme. Specifically, he called for awareness campaigns to increase mustard cultivation area and production, and to provide farmers with information about the procurement system. He also provided necessary guidance for achieving the targets set under the National Edible Oil Mission and the Pulse Self-Sufficiency Mission.
- Take advantage of the favorable climate of Surguja, expand the cultivation of litchi, strawberry and potato
During a review of the Horticulture Department, the Agriculture Production Commissioner stated that the climate of Surguja Division is conducive to the production of a variety of horticultural crops. To capitalize on this potential, farmers should be encouraged to cultivate crops such as litchi, strawberries, potatoes, and oil palm. He specifically directed efforts to increase potato production and enhance productivity through modern agricultural techniques.
The meeting also discussed intercropping in oil palm and other fruit-bearing areas, the inclusion of horticultural crops in rice-based cropping systems, and the selection of crops suited to the region’s climate. Officials were directed to provide technical guidance to farmers and develop opportunities for earning additional income through horticulture.
- Instructions to ensure availability of seeds and fertilizers for Rabi season
The Agriculture Production Commissioner reviewed the demand, availability, storage, and distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs for the Rabi season 2026-27. He stated that providing quality seeds and fertilizers to farmers on time should be the department’s priority. To this end, necessary arrangements should be ensured by preparing advance action plans in all districts.
The meeting discussed the experiences of pilot districts with the fertilizer distribution system through the Fertilizer Cell Framework (FFS) and the necessary preparations for implementing it statewide from the Rabi season. Also, progress on seed distribution through the “Saathi-2” system, registration on the Integrated Farmer Portal, agricultural input quality control, nutrient management through green manure and blue green algae, and the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana’s target indicators were reviewed.
- Expansion of animal husbandry and dairy activities will strengthen the rural economy.
In the review of the Animal Husbandry Department, the Agriculture Production Commissioner inquired about the progress of artificial insemination, calf production, animal vaccination, cowshed operation and Gaudham Yojana. He gave instructions to ensure regular health check-up of animals and to provide the benefits of departmental schemes to the animal breeders. In the meeting, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and PPR vaccination, activities of mobile veterinary unit, formation of milk cooperative societies and pilot project related to supply of milch animals were reviewed.
Describing activities like animal husbandry, goat rearing, and poultry as important sources of additional income for rural families, he emphasized departmental coordination and the effective implementation of beneficiary-oriented schemes for their expansion. The meeting also discussed the construction of veterinary hospitals and dispensaries, animal welfare activities, and other departmental programs.
- Emphasis on modern techniques and increasing women’s participation in fisheries
During a review of the Fisheries Department, Agriculture Production Commissioner Mr. Pardeshi directed the organization of workshops for fish farmers to provide training and guidance on modern techniques. He stated that fisheries are an important source of self-employment and additional income in rural areas. Efforts should be made to increase production by optimally utilizing available water resources.
The meeting reviewed the Prime Minister’s Matsya Sampada Yojana, state government schemes, the progress of Kisan Credit Cards, registration on the National Fishermen Digital Platform, and the possibilities of linking Amrit Sarovars with fisheries activities. Instructions were also given to increase women’s participation in fisheries and to ensure that the benefits of the schemes reach eligible beneficiaries.
- Give priority to agricultural innovations as per local resources – Divisional Commissioner Shri Narendra Dugga
Divisional Commissioner Shri Narendra Dugga stated that Surguja Division is performing well in agriculture and related livelihood activities. New opportunities are emerging to increase farmers’ income through animal husbandry, poultry, fisheries, and horticulture, along with agriculture. He urged officials to encourage agricultural innovations, taking into account each district’s geographical conditions, available resources, and local needs. He also urged efforts to combine useful aspects of traditional agricultural practices with modern technologies to maximize profits for farmers.
- Collectors of all districts presented the progress of agricultural schemes and the future action plan.
At the meeting, the collectors of all districts in Surguja division presented information through PowerPoint presentations about their districts’ Kharif 2026 achievements, progress on agricultural schemes, crop diversification, preparations for the Rabi season, and upcoming action plans. State-level officials from agriculture and allied departments guided district officials on challenges faced in implementing schemes, set targets, and necessary improvements.
Agriculture Director Mr. Rahul Dev, Director Veterinary Services Mr. Chandrakant Verma, Director Horticulture and Field Forestry Mr. Lokesh Kumar and Director Fisheries Mr. Narayan Singh Nag were present in the meeting. Surguja Collector Mr. Ajit Vasant, Jashpur Collector Mr. Rohit Vyas, Surajpur Collector Ms. Rena Jameel, Balrampur-Ramanujganj Collector Mrs. Chandan Tripathi, Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur Collector Mrs. Santan Devi Jangde and Korea Collector Mrs. Roktima Yadav along with District Panchayat CEOs of all the districts and officers of agriculture and allied departments were present.