Forest Department Initiative to Link Eco-Tourism with Agri-Tourism

Traditional Farming Promoted Alongside Devhill Nature Resort in Achanakpur

Raipur : In a significant step towards integrating agriculture with eco-tourism, the Forest Department has launched a unique initiative in Achanakpur village of Kasdol block, Balodabazar district. This initiative aims to promote traditional farming alongside the existing Devhill Nature Resort in the forest region.

Under the guidance of Divisional Forest Officer Ganveer Dhammasheel, trainee ACF Gajendra Verma, Range Officer Santosh Kumar Paikara, and BFO Yogesh Sonwani are actively encouraging local villagers to cultivate traditional crops such as kodo millet and aromatic paddy varieties like Vishnubhog and Dubraj.

Through the Joint Forest Management Committee, villagers are being inspired to adopt organic farming practices. This not only supports forest conservation but also strengthens local livelihoods and nutritional security. The region is now being developed into an agri-tourism hub, allowing visiting tourists to directly observe, understand, and experience traditional farming methods.

The initiative is expected to boost demand for organic produce while also promoting local culture and agricultural heritage. Organic farming enhances soil fertility and yields chemical-free crops beneficial to human health. Food products made from these organic crops will be used at the Devhill Nature Resort, further supporting the concept of agri-tourism.

Several farmers from Achanakpur, including Ramsingh Bariha, Pansingh Bariha, Phoolsingh Bariha, and Ramayan Bariha, have begun cultivating Vishnubhog, Dubraj, Kodo, and indigenous arhar (pigeon pea). With great enthusiasm, they have started sowing seeds and adopted organic methods, taking commendable steps towards food security, environmental balance, and the revival of traditional farming practices.