Farmers Adopt Profitable Crop Alternatives, Increasing Income

Raipur, July 18, 2026/ Farmers in the state are shifting towards profitable crops, leading to an increase in their income. In Mahasamund district, the agriculture department is continuously encouraging farmers with the aim of promoting alternative crops in place of paddy during the Kharif season. As part of this effort, groundnut cultivation is being undertaken in approximately 1,000 hectares in the district. This initiative is proving significant in enhancing farmers' income, conserving water, and promoting crop diversification. Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mr. F. R. Kashyap, stated that farmers Mr. Fagu Lal Kaivert and Mr. Nandkumar Kaivert from the village Bondanvapali in Saraipali block are witnesses to this change. Both farmers, under the National Edible Oil Mission, sowed groundnuts in 0.40-0.40 hectare areas on July 1, 2026, in place of paddy. These farmers say that groundnut cultivation requires less water compared to paddy. Additionally, due to its relatively lower cost, the potential for profit is higher. With the guidance and technical support of the agriculture department, they have sown on time and adopted scientific methods, expecting a good yield. According to agriculture department officials, the area under pulses, oilseeds, and other profitable crops in place of paddy is continuously increasing in the district. Oilseed crops like groundnut play a vital role in increasing farmers' income, as well as improving soil quality and conserving water resources. The groundnut cultivation being practiced by farmers Fagu Lal and Nandkumar is becoming an example for other farmers in the region. If more farmers adopt alternative crops along with paddy, agriculture can become more profitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient.