CHIA seed cultivation is steadily gaining momentum across Nagpur district, emerging as a promising alternative cash crop during the rabiseason.Inamajor push this year, around 500 farmers were trained by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), leading to chia cultivation across 500 acresin 12 talukas. Each farmer cultivated chiaon approximately one acre, recordingan encouraging average yield of 5 to 6 quintals per acre during theMarchharvest.Withmarket prices ranging between Rs 12,000 and Rs 14,000 per quintal, depending on seed quality and cleanliness, farmers are reporting substantial profits. Even at a minimum yield of 4-5 quintalsper acre, returns remain highly attractive.

 

Expansion plans and institutional support DR ARCHANA Kadu, Project Director, ATMA, Nagpur, informed ‘The Hitavada’ that, “The trial cultivation in the last rabi season was successful and farmers are satisfied with the results. We aim to expand the cultivation area to more than 5,000 acres next season and will also train farmers in cleaning the seeds and packaging for FMCG markets.”

Why farmers are shifting to chia? TRADITIONALLY, crops like harbhara (Bengal gram) dominate the rabi season. However, chia is increasingly being preferred due to its resilience and low maintenance.

 

The crop is naturally pest-resistant,and even wild animals tend to avoid it, resulting in minimal losses. Chia requires relatively less water,withirrigationneededonly once every 15 days, and has a shortcultivationcycle of around three months. The sowing window, from October 15 to December 15, fits well within the existing agricultural calendar. The cost of cultivation remains moderate, estimated at Rs 10,000-12,000 per acre, further enhancing its appeal. Training and market linkages TO ENSURE effective adoption, ATMA Nagpur had collaborated with Yogayog Jaivik Sheti Mission Farmer Producing Company, a Washim-based organisation experienced in chia cultivation.

 

Washim district has already seen significant progress, with nearly 10,000 hectares under chia farming.FarmersinNagpurwere trained through on-ground camps and digital plat forms such as WhatsApp groups, enabling continuous guidance and knowledge-sharing. While chia does not require chemical pesticides, natural alternatives like neem-based solutions are used as a precaution. Encouragingly, ATMA has also assured support in marketing andsaleofproduce, addressing a key concern among cultivators.With strong institutional backing, increasing awareness, and favourable economics, chia farming is poised for significant expansion in the district.