As part of ‘Vikel Te Pikel’ (cultivate what is sold) initiative of State Government, the cultivation of Dragonfruit and Keshori Mirchi in Nagpur Division have got boost. These crops were considered for special focus under the initiative this Kharif season, said Dadaji Bhuse, Agriculture Minister. Bhuse chaired the Kharif preparedness review meeting at Nagpur on Monday. During the meeting, he took stock of the preparedness of the administration on various counts including credit supply, crop planning, availability of seeds and fertilizers etc. He asked the officials concerned to accord priority to cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, horticulture crops, and spices in Nagpur Division. Under the ‘Vikel Te Pikel’ initiative, special focus will be on cultivation of Keshori Mirchi (chilly) that derives its name from village Keshori in Arjuni Morgaon tehsil of Gondia district in Nagpur Division.

 

This particular variety of chilly is dark red in colour and is medium spicy. At present, Keshori Mirchi is cultivatd in 200 hectares in Deori and Arjuni Morgaon tehsils. It is cultivated between August and September, and harvest season extends up to March. This variety produced 5-6 quintals of additional yield per acre as compared to other chilly varieties. It is found that pest attack on this variety is minimal, and farmers can have good crop yield in lesser number of sprayings. The plan is to increase the area under Keshori Mirchi to 400 hectares in Gondia as well as other districts, this Kharif season. Another crop of special focus this Kharif season is Dragonfruit. Its cultivation is planned in Nagpur, Gondia, and Gadchiroli districts. During Kharif season, it is planned to be taken in 20.5 hectares of area. The cultivation of Dragonfruit involves Rs 3.13 lakh per acre, and average yield is 7 metric ton per acre. The fruit gets price of Rs 75/- per kg, and farmer can earn Rs 5.25 lakh per acre.

 

The fruit has market in Nagpur, Raipur, and Jabalpur. Under the ‘Vikel Te Pikel’ initiative, crops having good demand in the market have been given priority during Kharif season planning. In Nagpur Division, the Kharif plan this year includes red rice in 120 hectares in Gadchiroli and Bhandara districts, black rice in 163 hectares, Safflower in 1,860 hectares, Javas in 1,547 hectares, Sesame in 2,404 hectares, and groundnut in 3,095 hectares. Kartuli and crops of foreign origin will be encouraged among vegetables, citronella in aromatic plants, and Bhiwapuri Mirchi and Waigaon Haldi will be encouraged this season.

 

In the meeting, the officials informed the Agriculture Minister that farmer producer groups, farmers’ groups, and agriculture produce marketing arrangements were made for farmers during COVID-19 period. Arrangement for sale was made at 372 different locations through 550 farmer producer groups. Through these groups and online mode, 6,805 quintals of agricultural produces were sold. The district-wise sale was as follows: Nagpur -- 3,713 quintals; Gondia -- 1.008 quintals; Chandrapur -- 720 quintals; Wardha -- 689 quintals; Bhandara -- 135 quintals; and Gadchiroli -- 540 quintals.