Farmer Balwant Meshram’s income increased due to paddy procurement system and change in crop cycle.

Raipur : The well-organized and transparent system of paddy procurement being done by the government at support price is bringing positive changes in the lives of farmers. This system, which started from November 15 in the current Kharif marketing year, has strengthened the confidence of farmers. The success story of progressive farmer Balwant Meshram, resident of Khartuli village of the district, is a strong example of this, where proper use of government schemes and scientific farming changed his fate.

Meshram sold about 50 quintals of paddy produced in his 4.42 acre farm this year at the support price at the nearest paddy procurement centre. He said that the entire process from token cutting to weighing and purchasing of paddy was simple, transparent and time bound. The farmers did not face any inconvenience due to the availability of basic facilities like shade, drinking water and seating in the procurement centre, for which they appreciated the arrangements of the government.

Along with paddy production, Meshram is a conscious farmer adopting crop rotation changes. Last year he had sold 60 quintals of paddy, from which he used the money received for better seeds, fertilizers, agricultural improvement and modern technologies. The result was that their farming became more profitable and sustainable.

They give priority to gram cultivation in Rabi season. Last year, he earned an additional income of about Rs 36 thousand from gram cultivation in 4 acres. Apart from giving better profits at low cost, gram crop is also helpful in maintaining soil fertility and water conservation. Due to the facility of own bore, the irrigation system also remains smooth.

This story of Balwant Meshram shows that if farmers take proper advantage of government schemes and do farming from a scientific point of view, then agriculture can become not only a means of livelihood but a strong basis of prosperity. Schemes like purchasing paddy at support price are playing an important role in the direction of self-reliance by providing economic security to the farmers.