Bhupesh Baghel on Monday launched the 'Godhan Nyaya Yojana' in 2,408 rural areas and 377 urban areas during the first phase of the scheme in the state.Under the scheme the government will purchase cow dung at Rs 2 per kg and sell the vermi-compost at Rs 8 per kg.In a statement the Chhattisgarh government said, " It is the first state in the country to buy cow dung directly from farmers with the launch of 'Godhan Nyaya Yojana'."Baghel launched the 'Godhan Nyaya Yojana' on the occasion of Hareli, a festival of Chhattisgarh associated with love and dedication to nature.On the occasion, Baghel said, "The state already has a systematic procedure and infrastructure for tendupatta collection, paddy procurement, and minor forest produce procurement at support price. In days to come, cow dung procurement will be done on the same lines, along with marketing of the vermi-compost so produced."Under this scheme, cow dung will be purchased from agriculture and livestock farmers through which large-scale preparation of vermi-compost and other products will be done. This will provide employment and economic benefits to the villagers. Organic farming will get a boost in the state.Under the scheme, in the first phase, procurement of cow dung will be started in 2,408 Gothans in rural areas and 377 Gothans in urban areas. Cow dung will be purchased in a phased manner in all 11,630 gram panchayats of the state.
"There will be active participation of the youth of the village along with women of self-help groups in conducting this whole process. The government will prepare vermi-compost by purchasing cow dung, through which the state will move towards organic farming," said Baghel.The vermi-compost fertilizer will be sold through cooperative societies. In the state, along with the farmers, the forest, agriculture, horticulture, urban administration departments require a large amount of fertilizer at the time of plantation and horticulture cultivation.The government will also arrange for marketing of additional organic manure.Vermi-compost fertilizer will be distributed to farmers as a commodity loan.The use of organic manure will be promoted which will decrease the dependence on chemical fertilizer. Local self-help groups will also get employment. Soil fertility, availability of non-toxic foods and level of nutrition will thus be improved.The state government has launched a scheme for farmers through the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana to provide them a fair price for their crops and to promote crop productivity. Nearly Rs 5,750 crore is being provided to 19 lakh farmers of the state under this scheme.Under this scheme, Rs 1,500 crore has been given to farmers as the first instalment. The second instalment will be released on August 20.