A Unique Blend of Agriculture and Eco-Tourism in Achanakpur

Promoting Organic Farming alongside Devhill Nature Resort

Raipur, Aug 2025:The Forest Department of Balodabazar has initiated an innovative project in Achanakpur village (Kasdol block), integrating agriculture with eco-tourism. The objective of this initiative is to encourage villagers towards traditional and organic farming while providing them with employment opportunities and nutritional security.

Under this initiative, in collaboration with the villagers of Achanakpur and Devhill Nature Resort, farmers are being encouraged to cultivate traditional crops like Kodo millet, Dubraj rice, Vishnubhog rice, and native varieties of pigeon pea (desi arhar).

Divisional Forest Officer Mr. Dhammsheel Ganveer informed that through the Joint Forest Management Committee, farmers are being provided training and support to adopt organic farming practices. This assistance helps them transition to chemical-free farming, preserving soil fertility and producing healthier grains. He added that the Forest Department aims for tourists visiting Devhill Nature Resort to experience village farming up close and enjoy the essence of agricultural tourism. This would not only increase the villagers’ income but also promote local culture and agricultural heritage.

Devhill Resort will utilize food products made from these organic crops, ensuring a market for local produce and marking a significant step towards self-reliance. Farmers from the village, including Ramsingh, Pansingh, Phoolsingh, and Ramayan Bariha, have actively participated in this initiative and have already begun sowing organic seeds.

This effort is a commendable step towards environmental conservation, livelihood enhancement, and revival of traditional farming. For this purpose, the Forest Department’s ACF (Trainee) Mr. Gajendra Verma, Range Officer Mr. Santosh Kumar Paikra, and BFO Mr. Yogesh Sonwani are continuously motivating the villagers.