Crop Diversification Fuels Rural Growth in Chhattisgarh’s Agrarian Belts
7th April 2026
Chhattisgarh, known as one of India’s most agriculture‑intensive states, relies heavily on small and marginal farmers whose livelihoods are closely tied to monsoon patterns and soil conditions. In regions like Korba, where agriculture forms the backbone of rural income, fluctuations in rainfall and rising input costs have pushed farmers to reconsider traditional cropping choices. Over the past few years, this has led to a gradual but visible shift in cropping patterns, one that is improving farm incomes while reducing pressure on local water resources.
In this evolving landscape, farmers who once depended largely on water-intensive paddy are increasingly adopting groundnut cultivation. Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), through its sustainable livelihood initiative ‘Mor Jal Mor Maati’, is supporting more than 9,000 farmers across 40 villages in adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices. The programme provides regular awareness and training in water management, modern agronomy, livestock rearing, non-timber forest produce value-addition and support for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Within this broader framework, groundnut has emerged as a viable alternative crop, offering both economic and ecological benefits.
Until recently, groundnut cultivation in the region was limited and largely confined to household use. Traditional methods, high input costs, and limited market access restricted its commercial potential. BALCO’s intervention has helped address these constraints by providing improved seeds, appropriate fertilizers, and on-ground technical guidance. Farmers are being trained in practices such as line sowing, seed treatment, and balanced nutrient application, leading to efficient crop management and better yields.
The transformation on the ground has been striking. From fewer than 50 farmers earlier, nearly 1,000 farmers today are engaged in groundnut cultivation, achieving average yields of 8-10 quintals per acre. This shift has generated an additional income of ₹45,000–₹55,000 per acre. In FY 2026 alone, over 470 families benefited directly, while nearly 200 more farmers adopted the crop after witnessing its success in neighbouring fields.
For farmers, the transition is both economic and practical. Sunita Rathia, a farmer from Bhatgaon, says, “I had been cultivating paddy for years. It required higher water and input costs, with limited returns. After joining BALCO’s Mor Jal Mor Maati programme, I adopted groundnut cultivation. The crop offers stable market value. With the increase in my income, I now plan to expand groundnut cultivation.”
Similarly, Kanhaiya Lal, a farmer from Bundeli village, reflects on his experience, “This year, I achieved a yield of about 8 quintals per acre, which is my best so far. The training under the Mor Jal Mor Maati has made a significant difference. The improved output has strengthened my household income and encouraged me to explore micro-irrigation and other advanced farming practices.”
Beyond income gains, crop diversification is contributing to improved soil health and better performance of subsequent crops, while also reducing dependence on water-intensive cultivation. This shift is helping farmers build resilience against climate variability, a growing concern for agricultural districts across central India.
As agriculture adapts to changing resource conditions and market demands, such interventions present a replicable model of community-driven development. By combining technical support, capacity building, and market linkage, BALCO’s initiative is catalysing grassroots transformation, turning groundnut cultivation from a marginal activity into a dependable source of income and enabling a broader shift towards resilient and diversified rural livelihoods.
