Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma Highlights ‘Krishak Unnati Yojana’ as a Major Support for Farmers
District-Level Oilseed Fair and Organic Farming Workshop in Baloda Bazar Promotes Sustainable Agriculture; Farmers and Fishermen Receive Agricultural Inputs
Published on: June 26, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
Stressing the need for sustainable agriculture and healthier food systems, Chhattisgarh Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam called upon farmers to move away from the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and adopt organic and natural farming practices for the well-being of future generations.
Addressing the District-Level Oilseed Fair-cum-Organic Farming Workshop held at the auditorium of Government Gajanand Agrawal Postgraduate College in Bhatapara, the minister said that protecting soil fertility and ensuring public health require a gradual transition towards eco-friendly agricultural practices.
The programme was attended by Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Laxmi Verma and Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal, among other public representatives.
Concern Over Excessive Use of Chemical Fertilisers
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam said that the Government of India is observing the ‘Khet Chalo Abhiyan’ from June 1 to June 30 following the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the objective of encouraging farmers to return to traditional and natural farming methods.
Describing Chhattisgarh as the “Rice Bowl of India,” he expressed concern that the pursuit of higher agricultural output has led to the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers. While acknowledging that chemical inputs may increase short-term productivity, he cautioned that their excessive use poses serious risks to both soil health and human well-being.
The minister urged farmers to diversify beyond conventional crop cultivation by integrating livestock rearing, fisheries and goat farming to create additional and sustainable sources of income.
Government Expands Support Under Krishak Unnati Yojana
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to making farmers economically self-reliant, Netam announced that the scope of the Krishak Unnati Yojana has been expanded.
Under the revised scheme, farmers cultivating pulses and oilseeds in place of paddy during the Kharif season will receive input assistance of ₹15,000 per acre from the state government. He encouraged farmers across the region to take maximum advantage of the initiative.
Livestock-Based Farming Key to Prosperity: Tank Ram Verma
Addressing the gathering, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma said that doubling farmers’ income can be achieved through organic farming supported by livestock-based agriculture.
He noted that traditional farming systems were once centred around livestock, ensuring both environmental sustainability and soil conservation. He expressed concern that the widespread use of chemical fertilizers has contributed to the pollution of water, air and food, emphasizing that healthier soil is the foundation of producing safe and nutritious food.
Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal and former MLA Shivratan Sharma also addressed the workshop and shared their views on sustainable agricultural development.
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Farmers and Fishermen Receive Scheme Benefits
The workshop also served as a platform for the direct distribution of benefits under various government welfare schemes.
During the programme, five farmers received pigeon pea (tur) seed kits, five farmers were provided nano urea, and two fishermen’s cooperative societies received modern fishing nets and ice boxes.
In addition, five beneficiaries each under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and PM-AASHA Scheme were honoured with certificates of appreciation for their outstanding performance.
The event was attended by the Municipal Council Chairperson, former MLA Dr. Sanam Jangde, the Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, departmental officials, and a large number of progressive farmers from the district.
