Government Assures Adequate Fertiliser Supply; Focus on Organic Farming, Crop Diversification and Kharif 2026 Preparedness
Published on: April 07, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
The Chhattisgarh government has taken a firm stand against black marketing and hoarding of chemical fertilisers, warning of strict legal action against violators. Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam stated that anyone found indulging in hoarding or selling fertilisers at inflated prices would face stringent punishment, including imprisonment.
Strict Action Against Fertiliser Black Marketing
The Agriculture Minister said the state government remains fully alert amid concerns of possible fertiliser supply disruptions due to the West Asia crisis. He assured farmers that there would be no shortage of fertilisers in the state and urged them not to panic.
Officials have been directed to conduct regular and surprise inspections across districts to prevent irregularities in fertiliser distribution and ensure timely availability to farmers.
Detailed Review of Kharif 2026 Preparations
Addressing a departmental review meeting held at the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya campus, Netam conducted an extensive assessment of Kharif 2026 preparedness involving officials from Raipur and Durg divisions.
He emphasised continuous monitoring of fertiliser stocks and instructed authorities to prioritise storage facilities in remote regions so that farmers receive fertilisers without difficulty during the sowing season.
Push for Organic Farming and Alternative Fertilisers
Considering last year’s disruption in DAP supply, the government has decided to promote the use of alternative fertilisers such as NPK and SSP. The minister highlighted that the government’s approach goes beyond ensuring fertiliser availability and aims to make agriculture more sustainable, profitable and modern.
Farmers are being encouraged to adopt organic farming practices through dedicated awareness initiatives.
‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ from May 5 to May 20
The minister also reviewed preparations for the statewide Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, scheduled from May 5 to May 20. Under the campaign, teams comprising agricultural scientists, departmental officers and field staff will visit villages to interact directly with farmers.
Experts from fisheries, horticulture, animal husbandry and Krishi Vigyan Kendras will participate, providing information on advanced farming techniques, modern inputs and government schemes.
Officials have been instructed to implement the campaign with seriousness and priority, ensuring on-the-spot grievance redressal and enrollment of farmers in various welfare schemes.
Farmer Registration and Scheme Implementation
Netam directed officials to complete registration of all remaining farmers under the Farmer ID system on the Agristack portal within one week so that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of benefits under the PM-Kisan scheme.
He further instructed departments to ensure advance fertiliser stocking in remote areas to facilitate smooth agricultural operations during the Kharif season.
Crop Diversification to Increase Farmers’ Income
The review meeting also focused on crop diversification strategies aimed at increasing farmer income while reducing cultivation costs. Officials were directed to reduce the area under summer paddy cultivation and promote pulses, oilseeds and maize crops.
The minister appreciated the expansion of pulses and oilseed cultivation in Dhamtari district over the past two years and urged other districts to replicate similar efforts.
During the review of the PM-AASHA scheme, progress was found to be limited in most districts except Dhamtari. Authorities were instructed to strengthen coordination among MARKFED, NAFED and cooperative societies to improve procurement of pulses and oilseeds.
Promotion of Makhana and Singhada Cultivation
The Agriculture Minister also directed the Horticulture Department to prepare a special action plan to promote makhana and water chestnut cultivation in water bodies. The initiatives undertaken in Dhamtari district for makhana farming were appreciated, and officials were asked to simultaneously promote fish farming alongside such crops.
Senior officials from agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, horticulture departments and the Chhattisgarh State Seed Corporation attended the meeting.
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