CM Vishnu Deo Sai virtually inaugurates Agri-Horti Expo and Buyer-Seller Meet
Raipur, 28 June 2025 – Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today virtually inaugurated the Agri-Horti Expo and Buyer-Seller Meet from the Chief Minister’s camp office located at Bagiya in Jashpur district, under the Krishi Kranti Abhiyan (Agricultural Revolution Campaign). The two-day event is being held at the District Panchayat premises, with participation from several major agricultural companies including JioMart Retail, DeHaat, Honest Farm, Atmakur, Dharagiri, and Avani Ayurveda. Through these companies, farmers in the district will be able to enter into crop sale contracts via FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) to get fair prices for their produce. This will help eliminate middlemen and ensure that farmers receive the rightful value for their hard work.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister emphasized that the Chhattisgarh government is firmly committed to the prosperity of its farmers. He stated that by embracing modern technology, the state’s food producers will become more economically empowered. He hailed this day as a milestone in the agricultural development of Jashpur and appreciated the district administration’s innovative efforts in launching the “Krishi Kranti” campaign.
The CM highlighted that around 80% of Chhattisgarh’s population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government is running several major schemes to increase farmers’ income, such as the Crop Insurance Scheme and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. He also noted achievements like procurement of paddy at a support price of ₹3100 per quintal up to 21 quintals per acre, the collection of forest produce at support prices, and promotion of processing and export initiatives.
He noted that Jashpur produces abundant jackfruit, mango, litchi, and pear, and that apple cultivation has also begun. The meet offers a direct platform for interaction between farmers and buyer companies. It allows farmers to access markets directly through FPOs, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair pricing for their produce.
Importance of Soil Health Cards
CM Sai also spoke about the importance of Soil Health Cards, explaining that they inform farmers about which crops are best suited to their land and the required amount of fertilizer. Agricultural scientists from the center are traveling across the state to raise awareness about soil health. Alongside agriculture, the government is also promoting animal husbandry, fisheries, and dairy development. Jashpur is one of the six districts selected for the pilot project under the Dairy Development Scheme.
Remarks from Other Dignitaries
Member of Parliament Shri Radheshyam Rathia, speaking virtually from Raigarh, praised Jashpur’s natural beauty and stressed the need for water conservation for the benefit of farmers and increased income. MLA Smt. Raymuni Bhagat stated that Jashpur is rapidly embracing innovation and that direct contracts between farmers and companies through the conference will bring tangible benefits.
District Panchayat President Shri Salik Sai emphasized that systematic farming and management would ensure benefits for farmers. Jashpur is a leading district in the production of mango, chili, and pear. He advocated for promoting pulses and oilseeds alongside paddy cultivation.
Collector Shri Rohit Vyas explained the significance of the Agri-Horti Expo and Buyer-Seller Meet, detailing the various benefits it offers farmers. District Panchayat CEO Shri Abhishek Kumar shared insights through a video presentation about the innovative initiatives and various programs being conducted during the event.
The event was attended by IG Shri Deepak Kumar Jha, SP Shri Shashi Mohan Singh, Municipal Council President Shri Arvind Bhagat, Janpad Panchayat President Shri Ganga Ram Bhagat, along with other officials and staff.
Advanced Technologies Showcased at the Agri-Horti Expo and Buyer-Seller Meet
Representatives from institutions like NABARD and APEDA are attending the event to educate farmers on advanced technologies, agricultural marketing, and organic product certification. Senior agricultural scientists will discuss GI tagging of crop varieties, scientific farming methods for agriculture and horticulture, and sericulture experts will provide insights on silk farming. Discussions will also be held on contract farming, during which contracts will be signed between companies and farmers.
The event features a Crop Exhibition where FPO-affiliated and progressive farmers will display their produce—such as organic paddy, kodo, ragi, pear, litchi, ramtil, tau, chili, and aromatic rice—categorized by variety and quality. Competitions on mango, pear, and agricultural innovation are also being organized, with cash prizes to encourage farmers to adopt innovative and advanced farming techniques.
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