RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has completed sowing across 47.40 lakh hectares, or 97 per cent of the target area, as of August 25, with the state government saying adequate arrangements have been made to ensure farmers receive fertilisers and certified seeds on time.
The state has set a target of covering 48.69 lakh hectares during the 2026 kharif season. Paddy, maize, kodo, kutki, pigeon pea, moong, groundnut and niger are among the major crops sown across the state.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed officials to ensure farmers receive certified fertilisers and seeds according to their requirements and warned of strict action against negligence in distribution. Officials have also been asked to maintain adequate stocks at cooperative societies and keep a close watch on supplies.
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam is overseeing the arrangements through the Agriculture Department.
According to officials, farmers have so far received 12.07 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers and 4.58 lakh quintals of certified seeds.
The state has set a target of distributing 15.55 lakh metric tonnes of fertiliser this kharif season. Against this, 16.67 lakh metric tonnes have been stocked in the cooperative and private sectors, while 12.07 lakh metric tonnes, or 72 per cent of the target, have been distributed.
For certified seeds, the Chhattisgarh State Seed Corporation has set a distribution target of 4.95 lakh quintals. Against this, 4.80 lakh quintals have been stocked and 4.58 lakh quintals, or 93 per cent of the target, have been distributed.
The state recorded 839.4 mm of average rainfall up to August 25, compared with its normal annual average of 1,246.3 mm. The rainfall so far is 29.2 mm above the 10-year average of 810.2 mm for the corresponding period. During the same period last year, the state had received 821 mm.
The government has also disbursed Rs 7,778.76 crore in short-term agricultural loans through Kisan Credit Cards for the ongoing kharif season as of August 24. The amount was Rs 6,449.95 crore during the corresponding period last year. The state has set a target of providing Rs 8,800 crore in agricultural loans this season.