Organic farming decreased in Chhattisgarh

Raipur | Correspondent: Despite efforts by the Bhupesh Baghel government to boost organic farming in Chhattisgarh, recent data reveals a downturn in both the area and production of organic crops.

The state invested heavily in initiatives such as cow dung and organic manure, aiming to establish itself as a hub for organic farming.

However, Chhattisgarh has not only seen a decrease in the area allocated to organic farming but also in the amount of organic produce.

According to the latest figures from the Central Government, in the fiscal year 2022-23, only 2.7 percent of Chhattisgarh’s total net sown area was dedicated to organic farming.

The area certified for organic cultivation decreased by 27.2 percent to 16,900 hectares compared to the previous year.

Organic production also suffered, with the state yielding 17,704 tonnes of organic crops in 2022-23—a decline of 14.2 percent from the previous year.

In contrast, neighboring states have made significant strides in organic farming.

Madhya Pradesh’s certified organic area grew by 48.8 percent, Odisha saw a doubling, Jharkhand increased by 1.6 percent, and Telangana surged by over 100 percent during the same period.

Despite the Central Government allocating substantial funds—Rs 187 crore over eight years—under schemes like the Traditional Agriculture Development Scheme and Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD), Chhattisgarh struggled to utilize even 25 percent of these funds effectively.