GARHWA: Jitendra Srivastava (IAS), CMD, REC Limited and Garhwa District In‑Charge for NITI Aayog, Government of India, conducted a comprehensive field review in the Khajuri–Lagma agricultural belt, visited Chirka Dam to assess cage aquaculture, and carried out a surprise inspection at the Chinia Primary Health Center (under Ranka CHC).
He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner–cum–District Magistrate Dinesh Yadav, Deputy Development Commissioner Pashupatinath Mishra, District Transport Officer Dhiraj Prakash, Civil Surgeon Dr. John F. Kennedy, District Fisheries Officer Dhanraj R. Kapse, District Agriculture Officer Ms. Khushbu Paswan, and other senior officials.
The team reported healthy crop stands and adequate soil moisture, supported by available irrigation. Farmers are integrating agriculture with animal husbandry and using biogas for household energy—signs of diversified, sustainable livelihoods. Modern practices such as line sowing, balanced fertilizer application, and integrated pest management were observed. Farmers flagged operational challenges around steady irrigation, pest outbreaks, fertilizer availability, wild animal damage, and climate variability.
Benefits from micro‑irrigation (PDMC), PM‑KUSUM, PM Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance), and Soil Health Cards were widely acknowledged. One farmer reported ₹6–6.5 lakh in net annual income from approximately 8 acres.
Post‑inspection, Srivastava advised farmers to adopt recommended crop packages to raise productivity. He instructed the District Agriculture Officer to strengthen timely extension services, improve department–farmer coordination and monitoring, and expand coverage under government irrigation and crop insurance. He also emphasized on‑time input supply, better irrigation facilities, robust technical guidance, and market linkages to secure farm incomes and reduce risk.
At Chirka Dam, the District Fisheries Officer detailed how modern cage aquaculture has transformed a once remote, Aspirational area into a socio‑economic success story. A fisheries cooperative of 165 tribal members has shifted from subsistence struggles to entrepreneurship. Concrete outcomes to date: 12 tons of fish sold, 40–50 tons ready for harvest, 36 active cages in operation and 12 new cages set under PMMSY‑2 for the upcoming season.
At the Chinia PHC (Ranka CHC), Civil Surgeon Dr. John F. Kennedy and Medical Officer‑in‑Charge Dr. Pallavi Kumari briefed the team on healthcare delivery. Due to shortage of doctors and staff, services are sustained through mobile doctors and outsourced arrangements.
The facility oversees five Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs, with ANMs, CHOs, and Sahiyas delivering village‑level services. The team was apprised of the human resource and infrastructure gaps. Officials commended Dr. Pallavi Kumari’s efforts to maintain quality care under constraints and issued directions to strengthen staffing, service delivery, and outreach. DPM, BPM, frontline health workers, Sahiyas, and other personnel were present.
The cage aquaculture model at Chirka Dam proves that modern technology, effective administration, and community participation can make even remote, tribal regions self‑reliant and prosperous. This is a replicable model for other districts,” said Jitendra Srivastava.
The district administration is committed to coordinated development in agriculture, fisheries, and health—ensuring that the benefits of schemes reach the last mile. The visible change in Chirka Dam and farm practices reflects this approach,” said Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Yadav.