Promote organic manure at national level: Baghel

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday laid emphasis on the need to promote the production of organic manure and vermi-compost at the national level to counter shortage of chemical fertilizers within Chhattisgarh and other states.

He was addressing a state-level DISHA (District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee) meeting to review Central government schemes, evaluation and better coordination, an official communication said.

After Covid-19, there has been a shortage of raw materials for chemical fertilizers. It has affected the supply chain across the country, Baghel said.

Such crises can be tackled only through promotion of organic farming. It would pave the way to improve soil health and provide good quality agricultural produce.

In Chhattisgarh, he said through Millet Mission, seven districts of Bastar zone and five of Surguja along with Kawardha and Rajnandgaon have been included.

The state has become the first in the country to announce support prices for kodo, kutki and ragi.

The Chief Minister called for linking the MGNREGA with agricultural works. Like inclusion of harvesting will help the farmers and reduce the cost of production. A proposal has been sent to the Central Government to open new branches of banks in Scheduled Areas and Naxalite affected areas.