After 50 years, a new beginning of farming in the Rabi season in the tribal area of Dhamtari.
Raipur. Under the “ATMA” scheme, an agricultural reform and extension program run by the Agriculture Department, farmers in the villages of Dangimancha and Khidkitola in the Dhamtari development block are cultivating the minor grain crop ragi (millet) on approximately 35 acres. Located in the Gangrel Dam upland region, this forested and tribal-dominated area has special geographical conditions due to its high altitude. Organized farming has been started here for the first time in the Rabi season after nearly 50 years.
Collector Abinash Mishra stated, “Promoting minor millet crops in the forested and tribal-dominated areas of the district is among the government’s priorities. The start of finger millet cultivation in the Rabi season in the Gangrel highland region after nearly 50 years is a historic initiative. Through the Aatma scheme, efforts are being made to increase farmers’ income and ensure nutritional security by providing them with information on modern technology, the SMI method, and seed production. In the future, all necessary support will be provided to further expand millet-based farming and connect farmers with the market.”
Farmers present at the farmers’ school were provided detailed and practical information on advanced farming techniques using the SMI (Systematic Millets Intensification) method for the minor millet finger millet crop, seed production, crop management, nutrient management, pest and disease control, and techniques for achieving higher profits while reducing production costs. The nutrition, health benefits, and market potential of finger millet were also highlighted.
During the program, farmers were encouraged to work towards economic empowerment by strengthening millet-based livelihoods, climate-friendly farming, and taking advantage of various government schemes. The farmers present agreed to further expand the successful experiment of finger millet cultivation in the region.
