Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today announced two groundbreaking initiatives in Jashpur district aimed at revolutionizing agriculture: a dedicated Farmer Call Center and a QR code-based direct marketing system for farmers. These measures seek to eliminate middlemen, ensure fair prices for produce, and enable farmers to access buyers from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Sai highlighted that Jashpur district has a favorable climate not only for agriculture but also for horticultural crops such as mango, litchi, pear, tea, jackfruit, and tau. He pointed out that until now, the absence of robust market access forced farmers to sell their produce to middlemen at low prices. With the launch of the new QR code-based trading platform in partnership with G-Com India, farmers will be able to directly connect with buyers nationwide, receiving fair value for their crops.

The Farmer Call Center, operational on the number +91-8069378107, will provide expert guidance on farming practices, crop diseases, and government schemes. A 12-member panel comprising professors, scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and agricultural specialists will support farmers through calls, messages, and WhatsApp. An MoU was signed between the district administration and Agribid in the presence of the Chief Minister to operationalize this initiative. Farmers will also be updated on various schemes and supported in availing benefits promptly.

Emphasizing the potential impact, Sai said these efforts would bring revolutionary changes in the farming sector by augmenting farmer incomes and reducing reliance on intermediaries. To further promote innovation, 35 farmers from Kunkuri and Kansabel blocks were flagged off on an educational tour to Raipur and Durg under the Krishi Kranti and ATMA programs. During the visit, they will observe scientific farming practices and food processing units at BNR Seeds and Indus Mega Food Park, enabling them to adopt new techniques on their return.

Saraguja Tribal Development Authority Vice-Chairperson Gomti Sai lauded the call center initiative as a milestone for boosting agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ livelihoods. Jashpur MLA Raymuni Bhagat also expressed optimism, noting that the district, particularly rich in jackfruit cultivation, now has the potential to expand into processing, value addition, and export.

The QR code marketing system will allow collective trading as well, enabling small and marginal farmers to pool their produce to meet large buyer demands. This is expected to widen market access for paddy, oilseeds, pulses, cash crops, and processed farm products, ensuring long-term socio-economic growth in the district.