In a major push to strengthen agricultural self-reliance, Chhattisgarh has dramatically expanded its certified seed production program for the upcoming Kharif season. The state's nodal agency has scaled up operations to cover a vast area, ensuring ample supply for its farmers.
Record Expansion in Seed Cultivation Area
The Chhattisgarh State Seed and Agriculture Development Corporation Limited has set an ambitious target for the Kharif 2025 season. The corporation has expanded its seed production program to cover 21,478 hectares of land. This expansion is not incremental; it represents a massive 85% increase compared to the area used during the Kharif 2023 season. Furthermore, it marks a 26% rise over the previous year's figures, showcasing a consistent and aggressive growth trajectory.
State Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, addressing the media in Raipur on Saturday, emphasized the government's farmer-centric approach. He stated that the administration's top priority is ensuring the availability of high-quality, certified seeds based directly on the demand expressed by the farming community.
Streamlined Payments and Robust Procurement
A significant reform introduced by the corporation is aimed at putting money into farmers' hands faster. Previously, payments were processed only after the final packaging of seeds. Under the new system, payments are released as soon as the raw seeds are approved after passing quality checks. This crucial change means that seed-producing farmers now receive their final payments approximately 30 days earlier than the old process.
The benefits of this efficient system were evident in the Kharif 2024 cycle. The corporation successfully procured 5.75 lakh quintals of raw seeds from registered farmers. For this procurement, payments totaling Rs 126 crore were disbursed. This amount was Rs 37.28 crore higher than the payments made in the preceding year, reflecting both increased procurement and timely financial support.
Meeting Demand and Future Readiness
The state's efforts are squarely focused on meeting the concrete demand from its agricultural sector. For the Kharif 2025 season, a demand for 4,95,057 quintals of certified seeds was recorded. In preparation, the corporation has already stored 4,87,004 quintals. Of this, an impressive 4,73,485 quintals have already been distributed to farmers. This distribution has already surpassed the Kharif 2024 figures by 5,074 quintals, indicating stronger outreach and uptake.
The work for the future season is already in full swing. Against a projected production target of 7.50 lakh quintals for Kharif 2025, the corporation has proactively procured 3.30 lakh quintals from registered farmers. To support these farmers, an advance payment of Rs 36.82 crore has been issued, with the procurement process still ongoing. This forward-looking strategy ensures a steady supply chain and financial security for the seed producers.
This comprehensive initiative underscores Chhattisgarh's commitment to transforming its agricultural landscape by prioritizing seed security, empowering farmers with timely payments, and building a sustainable model for crop production.
