RAIPUR,CG: The favourable monsoon conditions in Chhattisgarh have further facilitated agricultural activities, with 46.35 lakh hectares of land already sown, achieving 95% of the state's target of 48.63 lakh hectares for this season.

The state government has successfully distributed 12 lakh metric tons of fertilizers and 8.83 lakh quintals of certified seeds to farmers across the state, achieving significant progress in its Kharif season targets. The Agriculture Department has been closely monitoring the distribution process to ensure timely delivery and support to the farming community.

As of August 21, 2024, nearly 88% of the state's fertilizer target has been met, with 12 lakh metric tons of fertilizers distributed. It includes 5.81 lakh metric tons of urea, 2.62 lakh metric tons of DAP, 1.51 lakh metric tons of NPK, 50,431 metric tons of potash, and 1.52 lakh metric tons of superphosphate. The state had initially set a target of 13.68 lakh metric tons of fertilizers for the Kharif season, and so far, 15.24 lakh metric tons have been stocked, ensuring a smooth supply to farmers.

In addition, the state has distributed 8.83 lakh quintals of certified seeds, covering 90% of the demand. The total demand for Kharif crops in the state stands at 9.78 lakh quintals, with 9.31 lakh quintals stocked. The seeds have been made available through government cooperative societies and private vendors, enabling farmers to receive high-quality inputs for their crops.

The State-Level Control Room of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department reported an average rainfall of 820.3 mm across the state, with Bijapur district receiving the highest rainfall of 1740.2 mm and Surguja district the lowest at 456.5 mm.

Additionally, the state government has disbursed short-term agricultural loans worth Rs 6,281 crore to farmers through 2,058 cooperative societies under state cooperative banks. This is part of the government's Rs 7,300 crore loan distribution target for the year, aimed at supporting farmers' financial needs and enhancing crop production through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.