Bilaspur Women Inspired by Bastar’s Innovations

Integrated farming techniques learned during exposure visit

Jagdalpur, February 2026 : Women participants from Bilaspur were deeply inspired after witnessing innovative livelihood models in Bastar. Taking an important step toward creating new livelihood opportunities in rural Chhattisgarh, a 50-member delegation from the Bilha block of Bilaspur undertook a two-day educational exposure visit to Bastar district. The visit was organised under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission with the primary objective of closely studying successful agriculture and animal husbandry models operating in the Jagdalpur, Lohandiguda, and Tokapal blocks.

The programme formally began with a detailed technical session held at the Janpad Panchayat auditorium. Through a PPT presentation, participants were briefed on the implementation of integrated farming clusters, the scientific process of farmer selection, and future action plans. During the session, group members and staff from Bilaspur were also informed about the functioning of sub-committees and the technical support being provided to women farmers through livelihood service centres. The discussions highlighted how a structured and well-planned approach can significantly strengthen the rural economy.

After gaining theoretical insights, the delegation visited the field to observe on-ground activities firsthand. The members closely studied brooding centres and advanced poultry farming practices, focusing on feed management and critical vaccination procedures. Along with this, they examined complementary livelihood activities such as fish farming and goat rearing within the cluster.

The Bilaspur team was particularly impressed by the advanced vegetable cultivation techniques adopted by Bastar women, including nursery management and pest and disease control methods. Beyond production, the women of Bastar also shared strategies related to post-harvest grading, packaging, and direct market linkage through local mandis to secure better prices for their produce.

The accurate maintenance of books of records and the confidence displayed by the Bastar women filled the visiting delegation with renewed enthusiasm. Held from February 24 to 25, this two-day exposure visit proved to be not only a valuable learning experience but also a strong platform for sharing technical skills and experiences between women’s groups from two different districts. The visit reinforced the belief that integrated farming combined with modern marketing practices can open new doors to economic prosperity in rural life.