India Region

Rajasthan Focuses on Drones and Organic Farming; State Farmers’ Commission to Amplify Farmer Voices: C.R. Chaudhary

26 November 2025, JaipurThe Chairman of the Rajasthan Farmers’ Commission, C.R. Chaudhary, met farmers in Kota on Tuesday as part of the Commission’s ongoing district-level outreach. He said the initiative aims to listen to farmer concerns on the ground, document issues, and relay justified demands to the state and central governments.

Chaudhary noted that the Commission is working as a bridge between policymakers and farming communities. During the Kota interaction, farmers shared several concerns and suggestions, which the Commission will formally forward to the governments. He urged farmers to submit their suggestions in writing so that they can be conveyed more effectively.

Call for Reduced Chemical Use and Promotion of Organic Inputs

Chaudhary encouraged farmers to shift away from excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and to adopt organic inputs to improve product quality. He highlighted that even trace levels of pesticide residues can block the export of food grains to foreign markets. The Commission, he said, is working to identify certified outlets that will procure organically produced food, ensuring better prices for farmers who adopt these practices.

He added that over the past decade, several initiatives of the central government—such as increased minimum support prices, the Mini Sprinkler Scheme, and the Soil Health Card program—have supported farmers’ productivity and income.

Crop Insurance, Soil Testing, and Local Suggestions

Addressing issues raised regarding the crop insurance scheme, Chaudhary said the Commission will work to ensure fair compensation for crop losses and strengthen the assessment process.

Farmers shared numerous suggestions during the interaction.

  • Mahaveer Merotha from Kanwas village proposed establishing soil testing laboratories at every sub-division, providing subsidized seeds ahead of sowing time, and setting up organic manure units in gaushalas to supply low-cost organic inputs to farmers.
  • Kaushal Kishore Prajapati of Kasar village discussed ways to boost production and income through protected cultivation.
  • Durgesh Kumari, known locally as “Drone Didi,” offered recommendations on the use of drones for crop spraying.

Many farmers also demanded a simplified process for compensation under the crop insurance scheme and timely commencement of procurement at MSP.

Water Availability, Extension Work and Soil Nutrition

Rakesh Jain, Kota City District President, said that the district does not face shortages of water or electricity and assured farmers that their concerns will be brought to the notice of the state leadership.

Joint Director (Agricultural Extension) Atish Kumar Sharma explained that Kota is naturally endowed with rich water resources and that departments are coordinating to resolve farmer issues on priority. Efforts are underway to ensure adequate fertilizer availability in the district. Based on soil testing reports, farmers are being advised to use fortified SSP to address deficiencies of iron and zinc, and to adopt ammonium sulphate as part of ongoing innovation efforts.

He urged farmers not to burn crop residues, noting that doing so destroys beneficial insects. Instead, he encouraged producing safe food through reduced chemical use and organic cultivation methods.

Livestock Support and Telemedicine Services

Joint Director (Animal Husbandry) Dr. Ganesh Dadhich outlined various state schemes aimed at supporting livestock owners. He said Rajasthan is the first state in India to offer telemedicine services for animals. Additionally, farmers can access mobile veterinary units by calling 1962 to receive doorstep treatment for their livestock.

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