Farmers of Jashpur Creating a Distinct Identity in Agriculture

Raipur, May 2026: Farmers in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh are rapidly carving out a distinct identity in the field of agriculture by shifting from traditional crops to horticulture and cash crops. Along with tea, pear, lychee, and strawberry cultivation, farmers in the region are now also experimenting with apple farming.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has been actively encouraging farmers in Jashpur to adopt horticulture and cash crops, keeping in view the region’s favourable climatic conditions. Under his guidance, the district administration, NABARD, and the Horticulture Department have been making coordinated efforts to promote diversified farming practices. Farmers are being provided with specialised training and technical support to boost horticultural production.

Over the past two to two-and-a-half years, these initiatives have significantly encouraged farmers to move away from traditional farming and adopt fruit cultivation and commercial crops. As a result, apple orchards are now being developed alongside tea, lychee, strawberry, and pear plantations in the district.

Jashpur has now emerged as a new hub for fruit production and horticulture due to the combined efforts of the district administration, horticulture department, Rural Education and Development Society (READS), and NABARD. These efforts have strengthened the rural economy and improved the income levels of local farmers.

Apple cultivation in Jashpur began in 2023 and has now expanded to around 410 acres, with approximately 410 farmers engaged in its cultivation. Orchards have been developed in Manora and Bagicha development blocks, as well as in panchayats such as Shaila, Chhatauri, Kardana, and Chhichhli. This year, the apple trees in these regions have produced high-quality fruits in terms of both size and taste. Local farmers claim that Jashpur apples are comparable in quality to those grown in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

According to Rajesh Gupta, President of the Rural Development and Development Society, each of the 410 farmers has dedicated one acre of land to apple cultivation.

Similarly, pear cultivation in the district spans around 3,500 acres and involves more than 3,500 farmers. Pear orchards are widely cultivated in areas such as Sanna, Pandrapath, Kanwai, Mahua, Sonkyari, Manora, Dhawaipai, and Gidha. The produce is packed locally and supplied to markets in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and other states. Annual pear production in the district has reached approximately 1.75 lakh quintals, generating an average income of Rs 1 to 1.5 lakh per acre for farmers.

Officials from the Horticulture Department stated that under the National Horticulture Mission, farmers are being supported through training, technical assistance, and improved market access. These measures have helped farmers achieve greater self-reliance and economic empowerment through crop diversification.

Tea cultivation has long been practiced in Jashpur, and the quality of locally produced tea leaves is widely appreciated. With the successful expansion of apple and pear farming, Jashpur has not only established itself in new agricultural markets but has also significantly improved the living standards of its farmers. Plans are underway to further expand horticultural activities in the region in the coming years.