Focus on expanding double-cropping areas, alternative crops and contract farming to increase farmers’ income during Rabi 2026
Published on: October 25, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The district administration and the Agriculture Department organised a technical workshop to promote crop diversification, expand double-cropping areas and encourage farmers to adopt alternative crops during the Rabi 2026 season. The initiative aims to improve agricultural productivity, make better use of available irrigation resources and increase farmers’ income.
Representatives from the Horticulture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry departments, cooperative institutions, the District Cooperative Central Bank, private agricultural companies and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) participated in the workshop. Agricultural scientists, field officers and Kisan Mitras also attended.
Technical Guidance on Crop Selection and Diversification
The workshop featured technical sessions on different Rabi crops, with an emphasis on achieving higher production at lower costs, using irrigation water efficiently and introducing changes in existing crop cycles.
Officials stressed the need to prepare crop diversification plans according to land conditions, irrigation availability, local requirements and market opportunities. Farmers were encouraged to select crops suited to their available water resources and soil conditions to improve economic returns.
Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, Durga Prasad Adhikari, attended the programme and encouraged farmers to explore alternative crops alongside traditional farming practices. He also called for agricultural innovation and better utilisation of available resources to strengthen farmers’ economic prospects.
Deputy Director of Agriculture Tikam Singh Thakur highlighted the notable work undertaken in crop diversification in the district during the previous year. He urged field officers and Kisan Mitras to engage directly with farmers, hold discussions at the local level and prepare area-specific action plans.
Thakur emphasised that crop selection should take into account water requirements, irrigation facilities, soil characteristics and market potential.
Contract Farming to Encourage Maize Production
Representatives of Gourmet Popcorn Company, including Dayaji, delivered a presentation on promoting contract farming of popcorn maize. The presentation covered arrangements for entering into agreements with farmers, purchasing produce according to prescribed procedures and making payments within the stipulated time.
The discussion highlighted the potential of contract farming to encourage alternative crops and provide farmers with access to an assured market for their produce.
Shivendra Dubey, representing the ABIS Group, presented details of arrangements to supply maize seeds at subsidised rates and purchase the resulting crop. The initiative aims to encourage farmers to cultivate crops other than paddy and strengthen the connection between agricultural production and market demand.
Scientists and Women’s Groups to Support Awareness
Dr Nutan Ramteke from Krishi Vigyan Kendra participated in the workshop. The discussions highlighted the role of scientific guidance and improved production techniques in helping farmers make informed decisions about Rabi crops and adopt innovative agricultural practices.
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Devangan, representing the Maa Bamleshwari Self-Help Group, discussed the potential role of women’s self-help groups in conducting awareness campaigns, reaching farmers in rural areas and promoting crop diversification. Participants also discussed ways to extend information about agricultural schemes and innovations to a wider farming community.
Area-Wise Action Plans to Be Prepared
A dedicated interaction session with Kisan Mitras provided an opportunity to discuss challenges faced during crop changes, farmers’ requirements and suggestions from different areas. Participants considered coordinated measures to expand alternative cropping, improve crop rotation and increase farm incomes based on the feedback received.
Sectional Agriculture Officer Santlal Deshlahre, Senior Agriculture Development Officers Avinash Dubey, Sandeep Vaishnav, G.P. Sahare and Ranade were among those present, along with field officers and Kisan Mitras.
Representatives from the Horticulture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry departments, cooperative institutions, the District Cooperative Central Bank and other agricultural stakeholders also attended.
The workshop underscored the importance of coordination among government departments, scientific institutions, cooperatives, private companies and field-level personnel to expand Rabi cultivation, increase double-cropping areas and promote profitable and sustainable farming practices in Rajnandgaon district.
