Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday chaired the fourth meeting of the Board of Directors of Siddho–Kanho Agriculture and Forest Produce State Cooperative Federation Limited (Siddcofed) at the Jharkhand Assembly, where wide-ranging discussions were held on strengthening agriculture and forest produce sectors, increasing farmers’ income, promoting local produce, and improving training and marketing systems.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Jharkhand has immense potential in agriculture and forest produce, and the state government remains firmly committed to making farmers technologically empowered and economically self-reliant.
Timely Crop Prices Key to Farmer Morale and Economic Stability
Hemant Soren stated that the government’s primary objective is to provide farmers complete support at every stage of cultivation—right from production, storage and processing to marketing. He said the government is continuously working to ensure farmers receive modern technology, advanced seeds, better irrigation facilities, and direct access to markets.
The Chief Minister categorically stressed that farmers must receive timely payments for their crops, as this strengthens their morale, improves financial stability and drives self-reliance. He added that agriculture is the backbone of Jharkhand’s economy and farmer prosperity remains the government’s top priority.
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He also laid special emphasis on water conservation and the repair and maintenance of check dams, suggesting that their responsibility be handed over to farmer groups or Jal Sahiya committees to ensure local ownership and accountability. This initiative, he said, would not only strengthen water security but also provide sustainable rural livelihoods.
Special Mobile App and Local Agriculture Portal for Farmers Directed
The Chief Minister directed officials to develop a special mobile application for farmers, through which farmers from different districts will be able to digitally share information related to their crops, required agricultural materials, market conditions and real-time pricing updates.
He said this digital initiative will help farmers in accurate price discovery and better market awareness. He also instructed the development of a local agriculture portal, enabling consumers to directly connect with farmers and purchase agricultural products. This system will ensure greater transparency, reduce the role of middlemen and significantly boost farmers’ income.
Focus on Lac, Tamarind, Kodo, Kutki, Mahua, Tussar and Other Forest Produce
The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare and time-bound implement a dedicated action plan for strengthening the production, processing and marketing of Jharkhand’s unique forest produce, including lac, tamarind, kodo, kutki, chironji, mahua, karanj, silk and tussar.
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He said the government is focused on making the agriculture and forest produce-based rural economy stronger, and all departments must work in coordinated fashion to ensure that farmers and forest produce collectors receive direct economic benefits.
‘Kisan Pathshala’ and Video-Based Training to Drive Rural Economic Transformation
Hemant Soren said the Jharkhand government is taking decisive steps to provide national and global recognition to forest-based products of the state. The objective is not only to promote marketing and value addition but also to economically empower farmers, especially in rural and forest-dominated regions.
He said the government is promoting alternative agriculture, technical support, and marketing opportunities, and directed officials to further strengthen initiatives like “Kisan Pathshala”. The Chief Minister instructed that video-based training modules be prepared to connect farmers with modern agricultural techniques, conservation practices, and innovation-based value addition methods.
Through these initiatives, he said, traditional livelihoods of rural and tribal communities will be integrated into the modern economic system, ensuring active participation and sustainable income generation.
Siddcofed Plans and Budget for FY 2025–26 and 2026–27 Reviewed
During the meeting, Siddcofed presented detailed discussions on its schemes, programmes, budgets and action plans for the financial years 2025–26 and 2026–27. Key policy decisions were taken to promote production, collection, processing and marketing of major agriculture and forest produce items, including lac, seeds and tussar.
The high-level meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Secretary Abu Bakar Siddique, Prashant Kumar, Kripanand Jha, Arwa Rajkamal, along with senior officials and invited members from concerned departments.
