Ranchi, September 8: The Jharkhand Agriculture Department is preparing to deploy Fasal Rakshaks (crop protectors) across the state’s districts to provide farmers with field-level assistance in identifying and addressing crop-related problems.Under the initiative, at least two Fasal Rakshaks will be engaged in each district.
The department has already communicated the plan to district authorities and expects the recruitment and onboarding process to be completed within about a month.The move comes during the ongoing kharif season, when excessive monsoon rainfall in several parts of Jharkhand has increased the risk of crop damage.
High moisture levels can contribute to fungal diseases, pest infestations and nutrient-related problems, potentially affecting crop productivity.Fasal Rakshaks will regularly visit agricultural fields and assess the condition of standing crops.
Their role will include identifying early signs of diseases, pest attacks and other factors affecting crop health, followed by providing farmers with appropriate technical guidance.They will also be tasked with observing local agricultural-input markets and checking concerns related to the quality and pricing of products such as pesticides, insecticides and fertilisers sold by private dealers.
Agriculture Department officials said the selected personnel will undergo training after appointment. They will also remain connected with technical specialists to improve their ability to diagnose crop-related problems and provide reliable advice.
The department intends to use locally based personnel so that farmers, particularly those living in remote areas, can access assistance more easily and communicate with field workers without significant delays.
Officials said the longer-term objective is to develop a trained network of crop-protection personnel at the grassroots level, enabling early intervention and helping farmers minimise avoidable crop losses.
The initiative is expected to strengthen field-level agricultural support and improve farmers’ access to scientific advice during periods of heightened weather-related crop risks.
