Agriculture and Irrigation

National Horticulture Mission was launched in Chhattisgarh in the year 2006-07. This is a central government funded scheme (2005-06). 19 districts of the state have been included in this scheme. Since the 10th Five year Plan extended from 2002 to 2007, National Horticulture Mission was launched in Chhattisgarh in the 10th Five Year Plan. The main focus had been on 4 major crops Mango, Litchi, Cashew and Lime. Along with the main crops, 5 more crops namely Chili, Ginger, Garlic, Coriander and Turmeric were also included in it.

Expansion of Road networks, urbanization and industrialization are among the main reasons for decline in agricultural land. Whereas, the development of irrigation facilities leads to extending agricultural land not declining it.

Chhattisgarh is mainly an agricultural state. More than 75 percent of the state population (76.8%) resides in villages. Most of the agriculture of the state depends on rain. Mostly cereal crops are produced in the state.

Drip irrigation scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme on micro-irrigation with the objective to enhance water use efficiency. Under this scheme, 60% (35% centre+25% state) of grants in aid of cost is given to small and marginal farmers and 40% (25% centre + 15% state) to another farmer.