Expansion of Organic Cultivation, Improved Irrigation, and Crop Diversification Boost Farmers’ Income
Published on: February 09, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Rajnandgaon district is witnessing a significant shift towards organic and sustainable agriculture, driven by initiatives of the Agriculture Department aimed at improving soil fertility, promoting eco-friendly farming, and increasing farmers’ income. Ambitious schemes such as Organic Farming Promotion, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, and the National Natural Farming Mission are being actively implemented across the district.
In 2023, the area under certified organic farming in the district stood at just 500 hectares. This figure has grown substantially to 3,260 hectares during 2024–25 and 2025–26. To ensure quality and authenticity of organic produce, farmers have completed the mandatory three-year conversion period, following which certification has been granted by the Regional Council.
Irrigation Coverage Expanded Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has played a vital role in expanding irrigation coverage and improving water-use efficiency in the district. In previous years, drip and sprinkler irrigation facilities covered 22,405 hectares, which increased to 24,194 hectares during 2024–25 and 2025–26.
Additionally, irrigation capacity has been expanded over 16,988 hectares through initiatives such as Kisan Samriddhi Yojana (tube well drilling and replacement), Saur Sujala Yojana (solar pump installations), and Shakambhari Yojana (distribution of irrigation pumps). Water conservation efforts have also been strengthened through the construction of masonry check dams, benefiting rain-fed areas. During 2024–25, 15 check dams extended irrigation to 330 hectares, while 12 check dams in 2025–26 benefited an additional 264 hectares.
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Push for Pulses and Oilseed Self-Reliance
Efforts are underway to achieve self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds under the National Food Security Mission and National Food Oil Mission. Previously, the area under oilseed crops, including soybean, was limited to 2,100 hectares. Through crop demonstrations and the distribution of certified seeds, this has been increased to 3,200 hectares during 2024–25 and 2025–26.
Similarly, during the rabi season, the cultivated area of pulses such as gram, urad, moong, tivadra, and peas has expanded from 55,000 hectares in earlier years to 60,000 hectares in 2025–26.
Crop Diversification Reduces Summer Paddy Cultivation
Under the Mission Jal Raksha, the district has actively promoted crop diversification to conserve water resources. High water-consuming crops such as summer paddy are being discouraged, while low water-demand and high-profit crops like gram, urad, moong, tivadra, peas, and maize are being encouraged.
As a result, the area under summer paddy cultivation has reduced sharply from 9,336 hectares in previous years to approximately 4,000 hectares during 2024–25 and 2025–26, following extensive awareness campaigns and coordinated field-level efforts by agriculture officials.
