Ranchi, July 18: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed the Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation Department to formulate a comprehensive action plan for districts receiving below-normal rainfall, with an emphasis on climate-resilient agriculture, improved farmer support and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Soren instructed officials to encourage the cultivation of drought-tolerant crops such as pulses and millets in water-scarce areas.
He also stressed the promotion of organic farming, commercial agriculture and water conservation to help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the timely availability of quality seeds, fertilisers, agricultural inputs and technical assistance so that farmers can complete sowing without disruption.
He also called for the transparent implementation of government welfare schemes for farmers.
To strengthen agricultural extension services, Soren ordered the establishment of at least one Model Farmer School in every district.
The centres will provide practical training on soil testing, scientific cultivation, irrigation techniques, modern farming practices and market linkages.
He also asked officials to organise Agriculture Trade Fairs across all divisions of the state on the lines of Ranchi.
The fairs will offer farmers access to modern farm machinery, improved seeds, fertilisers, cold storage facilities, warehousing, cooperative services and information on government schemes.
Highlighting the need to diversify rural incomes, the Chief Minister directed the department to expand beekeeping and mushroom cultivation programmes.
Mushroom training centres will be set up in every district, with women’s self-help groups receiving specialised training in mushroom production and spawn preparation.
Describing animal husbandry as a key pillar of the rural economy, Soren called for greater focus on dairy farming, goat rearing, pig farming, poultry and fisheries.
He also directed officials to strengthen livestock vaccination, veterinary healthcare, breeding infrastructure and scientific livestock management while preparing a comprehensive livestock database.
The review meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari and senior officials of the Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation Department.
The government said the initiatives are aimed at safeguarding agriculture against the impact of low rainfall, improving farm productivity and enhancing farmers’ incomes through sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
