Rajnandgaon (BTI)- In a significant move towards water conservation, farmers in Village Khobha, located in the Chhuriya development block, have shifted to maize cultivation on 180 acres of land. This transition comes as part of an initiative led by the Agriculture Department under the Extension Reform ATMA Scheme, aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices.
During a recently organized farmer training program, experts highlighted the alarming decline in groundwater levels and stressed the importance of water conservation for future generations. Farmers were advised to adopt alternative crops that require less water instead of cultivating paddy, which consumes a substantial amount of water.
Acknowledging the need for sustainable agriculture, farmers in the region have actively participated in maize cultivation, which has now expanded to 1,400 acres in the Chhuriya development block during the current Rabi season. Despite the region being forested, local farmers have shown great enthusiasm for the shift, recognizing the economic benefits maize cultivation can offer. Furthermore, they have expressed their willingness to expand maize farming to Tikra Bhata land during the upcoming Kharif season.
The training session witnessed the participation of several key officials, including Sarpanch Mr. Manish Walde, Deputy Sarpanch Mr. Meghnath Chandra Vanshi, Agriculture Development Officer Mr. G.P. Sahade, ATMA Scheme In-Charge Mr. Sudesh Patel, Regional Rural Agriculture Extension Officer Mr. Mukesh Padwar, Rural Agriculture Extension Officers Ms. Monika Tikaria and Ms. Monika Sahu, along with a large number of farmers and other officials.
It is noteworthy that the government has been persistently advising farmers to refrain from paddy cultivation during the summer season due to the rapid depletion of groundwater, which could lead to a severe drinking water crisis. However, many farmers have been hesitant to adopt alternative crops.
Rajnandgaon DDA Nageshwar Pandey said that the success of maize cultivation in the region is now being seen as a model for sustainable agriculture and is expected to bring significant benefits in the coming years.
