Development of agriculture sector and welfare of farmers is our top priority: CM Bhupesh Baghel

Raipur: Chief
minister Bhupesh Baghel said that the development of the agriculture sector and the welfare
of farmers is the top priority of the Chhattisgarh government. Indira Gandhi
Agricultural University is playing an important role in the development of new technologies in the field of agriculture, making them accessible to the
farmers. Phytosanitary lab starting from today in the Agricultural University
will play an important role in promoting the export of agricultural products of
Chhattisgarh. Processing technology developed by agricultural scientists
will now be deployed in rural industrial parks. The use of scientific research
and modern technology is being promoted in the production of organic manure
from cow dung, power generation, and value addition in Gauthans.

Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday inaugurated
the buildings and other infrastructure built in Indira Gandhi Agricultural
University at the cost of nearly Rs 30 crore. He inaugurated the newly
constructed Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bhawan, Akti Biodiversity Museum, newly
constructed Knowledge Center building and recording studio, and Phytosanitary
laboratory located at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University campus. He also
dedicated e-classrooms built in the girls hostel buildings and 16 agricultural
colleges. 

In addition, he launched the seeds of improved
varieties of 8 crops including paddy, karat, soybean, maize, and raspberry.
Baghel inaugurated the technology to isolate protein and glucose from rice
developed by the university. Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey, Chairman of
Chhattisgarh State Farmers Welfare Council Surendra Sharma, Chairman of
Shakambri Board Ram Kumar Patel along with other senior officials and many
agricultural scientists and professors participated virtually in the programme. 

Chief minister further said that Chhattisgarh
Government has taken several effective steps to give a new direction to the
development of agriculture and to further strengthen the sector. Agriculture
Scientists have made an important contribution in making the villages
self-reliant. We are working towards making the villages self-dependent as per
Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of ‘Gram Swaraj’. He said that the Agriculture
University has developed the technology for processing various agricultural
products, which will be used in the Rural Industrial Park being set up in the
villages. The processing of agricultural products and minor forest produce
products will not only boost the income of the farmers but will also make
quality agricultural products available for the people of the state. Chhattisgarh
will continue to be a leader in the supply of quality agricultural and minor
forest produce-based products, said the chief minister. 

Chief minister added that about 24000 varieties of
paddy, 1009 varieties of tinvra, 2000 varieties of linseed have been displayed
in the Akti Biodiversity Museum inaugurated today. A total of 30,878 varieties
of different crops have been displayed in this museum. Besides, farmers of the
state have registered more than 500 species with the Government of India. These
species have also been put on display in the Biodiversity Museum. These species
will be used for the development of new species. Since the establishment of the
University, a total of 154 species of different crops have been developed till date.

Agriculture minister Ravindra Choubey said that
under the leadership of chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, Chhattisgarh is poised
to become the most prosperous state in the field of agriculture. He said that
an amount of nearly Rs 25,000 to 30,000 crores is being provided to the farmers
from the state budget through paddy procurement. The infrastructure developed
in the Agricultural University will prove beneficial for the farmers,
scientists, and students. The Vice-Chancellor of Agricultural University, Dr. S.K.
Patil gave the welcome address. Agricultural scientists, university professors, and students also participated in the program virtually.