Farming picture changed due to Ragi production in 35 acres

Raipur : A new chapter has been added to the history of agriculture in the forested and tribal dominated Uchhahan area of ​​Dhamtari district. After a long gap of about 50 years, organized farming has been started in Rabi season in villages Dangimancha and Khirktola located in the upper region of Gangrel Dam. Under the agricultural improvement and extension program “Aatma” scheme run by the Agriculture Department, minor cereal crop Ragi (Millet) is being cultivated in a total area of ​​35 acres in these two villages.

The initiative of cultivation of Ragi in this high altitude area with special geographical conditions is being considered as a historical achievement. As per the priorities of the government, nutritious small grain crops are being promoted in forest and tribal areas. Through Atma Yojana, efforts are being made to increase the income of farmers as well as ensure nutritional security by providing them information about modern technology, SMI (Systematic Millets Intensification) method and seed production. In future, there is a plan to expand millet based farming and provide all necessary support to connect the farmers to the market.

After the Millet Mahotsav organized in the district last week, today a Krishak Pathshala was organized at the village level under the joint auspices of Atma and Agriculture Department. On this occasion, Sarpanch Deepak Ram Dhruv of Gram Panchayat Tumrabhar, concerned departmental officers, 40 women farmers and 32 male farmers were present.

In the Krishak Pathshala, practical information was given on SMI method related to improved cultivation of Ragi crop, seed production, crop and nutrient management, pest-disease control and earning more profit by reducing the cost of production. Besides, the nutritional and health benefits of Ragi and its market prospects were also discussed in detail.

During the program, farmers were motivated to move forward towards economic empowerment by taking advantage of millet-based livelihood strengthening, climate-friendly farming and various schemes of the government. The farmers present agreed to expand the successful experiment of Ragi cultivation in the area further in future.