Raipur, 9 September 2024//

Chief Minister  Vishnu Deo Sai attended a workshop on organic and natural farming at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya on September 9. He emphasised that cow-based natural farming would pave the way for prosperity and well-being for the state’s farmers. He also highlighted that farmers could achieve prosperity by adopting organic farming methods. He urged to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord  Balram Ji as Farmer’s Day annually. He also honoured farmers who have adopted cow-based organic and natural farming practices and are inspiring others in the field.

Sai extended greetings to the state’s people on Lord  Balram Ji’s birth anniversary. He mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare is actively working to improve agriculture and boost farmers’ incomes. The government is continuously striving to enhance farmer participation in sectors like horticulture, fisheries, and animal husbandry to help double their income. As part of the event, an exhibition on organic and natural farming was organised. All Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the state, including Raipur, celebrated the Farmer’s Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord  Balram Ji.

In his speech, Chief Minister  Sai emphasised the vital role of agriculture in sustaining the livelihood of a significant portion of the population. He noted that the agricultural sector has undergone various innovations, bringing tangible benefits to farmers. Reflecting on the past, the Chief Minister recalled how farmers were compelled to take high-interest loans from moneylenders and landlords. He praised the late Prime Minister  Atal Bihari Vajpayee for introducing the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, which has provided farmers with easier access to low-interest loans.

Chief Minister  Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted that the state government has disbursed a two-year pending paddy bonus of Rs. 3,716 crore to the farmers. He also shared that the government set a new record by procuring 145 lakh metric tonnes of paddy at the rate of Rs. 3,100 per quintal, with a maximum limit of 21 quintals per acre. In addition, the Chief Minister mentioned that the state government has allocated over Rs. 2,000 crore in the state budget for expanding irrigation facilities, which will significantly increase farmers’ incomes. The state government is also focused on restoring old irrigation projects to further enhance agricultural productivity.

Dinesh Kulkarni, leader of the All India Kisan Union, provided insights into cow-based natural farming, stressing the growing importance of organic and natural farming methods. He pointed out the need to actively promote natural farming to meet the current demand. He also referenced the Gita, noting that cow-based farming is rooted in ancient teachings, and Lord  Krishna himself engaged in cow rearing to inspire others.

Agriculture Development and Farmer Welfare Minister  Ram Vichar Netam remarked that, under the leadership of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, the past decade has seen a remarkable transformation in the agriculture sector. Both the central and state governments have placed a strong focus on farmer welfare and introduced policies that have economically empowered farmers.  Netam underscored the importance of adopting cow-based organic and natural farming to further strengthen farmers’ financial conditions, noting that under Chief Minister  Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, farmers in the state have been empowered and now view farming as a business.

Member of Parliament  Brijmohan Agrawal highlighted that Lord  Balram Ji’s birth anniversary serves as a reminder of his contribution to agriculture. He added that promoting organic and natural farming aligns with the true purpose of this celebration.  Agrawal emphasised the need for collaboration with agricultural scientists and the adoption of scientific techniques to further enhance cow-based natural farming. Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Dr. Girish Chande, delivered the welcome address. MLA  Motilal Sahu, President of the All India Kisan Union (Chhattisgarh Province)  Suresh Chandravanshi, and a large gathering of farmers were present.