Focus on promoting less water-intensive and high-profit crops like maize, pulses, and oilseeds to strengthen sustainable agriculture in Rajnandgaon
Published on: October 10, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Chief Executive Officer of Zila Panchayat, Ms. Suruchi Singh, convened a meeting with officials and farmers to discuss increasing participation in crop diversification under Mission Jal Raksha. The review highlighted ongoing efforts by the Agriculture Department to form clusters and promote the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, and maize on both private and leased farmlands.
During the meeting, Ms. Singh emphasized the need to expand the area under Rabi 2025–26 crops and to guide farmers in choosing less water-intensive yet profitable crop varieties. Agricultural officers presented detailed insights on suitable crops based on the district’s geography, soil types, and water availability.
Farmers were briefed on the availability of essential inputs and procurement schemes. The Agriculture Department facilitated direct interactions between maize-producing companies and farmers, leading to consensus on maize cultivation. Under the Price Support Scheme, officials assured procurement of gram, mustard, and lentil crops at the minimum support price. Farmers expressed readiness to expand mustard cultivation, provided quality seeds are made available.
Representatives from Gourmed Popcornika and ABIS companies participated in the session. Gourmed Popcornika offered to supply maize seeds and purchase produce at ₹1,700 per quintal through contract farming agreements (MoUs), while ABIS also agreed to procure maize directly from local farmers.
The district’s Mission Jal Raksha initiative has already gained national recognition for its integrated approach to water conservation and sustainable agriculture. Extending this success, the administration continues to raise farmer awareness about low-water crops through village-level workshops and cluster-based farmer training sessions.
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Officials present included Deputy Director Agriculture Mr. Tikam Singh Thakur, Agriculture Officer Mr. Santlal Deshlahare, Assistant Director Dr. Virendra Anant, APO MGNREGA Mr. Faiz Menon, Senior Agriculture Development Officer Mr. Ranade, Rural Agriculture Extension Officers Mr. Yajvendra Katre and Mrs. Pooja Lange, along with company representatives and participating farmers.
