Farming will become more profitable through expansion of irrigation facilities, crop diversification and modern technology – Chief Minister Shri Sai

Progressive farmers honored in a dialogue program on ‘Farmers and Farming – Incentives and Results’

Record paddy procurement at Rs 3100 per quintal, new impetus given to irrigation projects and emphasis on agriculture-based employment

Farming is not just a means of livelihood, but the foundation of Chhattisgarh’s culture, economy, and social life. Prioritizing agriculture and the prosperity of farmers, the Chhattisgarh government is continuously working towards making farming more profitable, modern, and sustainable. To increase farmers’ income, special emphasis is being placed on expanding irrigation facilities, crop diversification, the use of modern agricultural techniques, agricultural mechanization, and promoting agriculture-based enterprises. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai stated this during a dialogue program titled “Farmers and Farming – Incentives and Results” held in the capital, Raipur, today. On this occasion, he honored progressive farmers from various districts of the state for their excellent farming, innovation, and significant contributions to the agricultural sector. The program was attended by agricultural experts, public representatives, industry, and representatives from various sectors.

Association with farmer families gave me an opportunity to understand the challenges of farming closely – Chief Minister Shri Sai

Addressing the program, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that his life has been deeply connected to farming. Born into a farming family, he worked in the fields since childhood and witnessed the difficulties of farming and the needs of farmers up close. He said that even while living in Delhi as a Union Minister of State, he regularly visited his village and farm, and whenever he arrived, he would visit his farm.

The Chief Minister said that the agricultural sector has undergone significant changes in the last few years. Previously, farmers relied on moneylenders or loans due to lack of capital, but today, through schemes like the Kisan Credit Card, they have access to timely loans. He described the launch of the Kisan Credit Card Scheme by former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a historic decision for farmers. He said that today, farmers are being provided KCC loans at zero percent interest, making farming easier than before.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that after forming the government, the first commitments made to farmers were fulfilled. He said that today, Chhattisgarh is among the states in the country where farmers are paid the highest price for paddy. The state government is purchasing up to 21 quintals of paddy per acre from farmers at a rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal. Farmers were also paid the previously pending bonus for two years.

He said that in the last Kharif marketing season, a record purchase of 141 lakh metric tonnes of paddy was made from about 25 lakh farmers of the state, which strengthened the economic condition of the farmers and gave a new impetus to the rural economy.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s goal is to double farmers’ income, and the state government is working in that direction. He added that the government’s objective is to ensure farmers receive better prices for their produce, reduce production costs, and provide all the necessary resources to make farming a profitable business.

He said that farmers are being encouraged to diversify their crops rather than relying solely on rice-based farming. Important amendments have been made to the Krishak Unnati Yojana (Farmers’ Advancement Scheme) to this end.

Crop diversification will be encouraged

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that farmers who cultivate crops like pulses, oilseeds, maize, and kodo-kutki instead of paddy will be provided input assistance of Rs 15,000 per acre. He said that to make agriculture more profitable, horticulture, vegetable production, fisheries, animal husbandry, dairy and minor forest produce-based activities are also being rapidly promoted, so that multiple sources of income can be developed for farmers.

Special emphasis on expansion of irrigation facilities

The Chief Minister stated that irrigation facilities play a crucial role in increasing farmers’ income. The state government is rapidly implementing new irrigation projects, barrages, anicuts, and canal expansions to ensure water reaches more farmlands. He stated that solar irrigation pumps are being made available to farmers, and micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler systems are being encouraged. To promote agricultural mechanization, modern agricultural equipment is also being provided to farmers on subsidized basis.

He said that barrages will be constructed at Matnar and Deurgaon on Bastar’s life-giving Indravati River at a cost of approximately 2,000 crore rupees, which will provide irrigation facilities to thousands of farmers. Administrative approval for approximately 3,000 crore rupees has also been granted for the Sikasar-Kodar Canal Linking Project, which will benefit the farmers of plain Chhattisgarh. Approximately 2,800 crore rupees have also been approved for the reconstruction and improvement of various irrigation projects.

A new era of development in Bastar

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that after the weakening of Naxalism, a new wave of development is now flowing in Bastar. He added that the reach of government schemes has expanded to remote areas through the Bastar Munne and Niyyad Nellanar schemes. He stated that security camps that are no longer needed are being developed as Sevaderas, and approximately 70 security camps will be converted into Sevaderas. He added that activities such as tamarind packaging have already begun at the Sevadera in Netanar, providing new employment and income opportunities for local people.

Modern technology is changing the face of agriculture

The Chief Minister said that women in Chhattisgarh are becoming Drone Didis, spraying Nano DAP, and earning better incomes through modern agricultural techniques. He said that many educated youth are leaving good jobs and turning to modern farming and agriculture-based enterprises, which is a testament to the growing confidence in the agricultural sector.

New industrial policy will increase employment opportunities

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state’s new industrial policy is receiving a positive response across the country. He reported that Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) worth approximately ₹8 lakh crore have been signed so far, and work has already begun on many projects. He added that investments in several new sectors, including semiconductors, textiles, and data centers, will create significant employment opportunities for the state’s youth.

Rapid development is also taking place in education, health and infrastructure

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that along with agricultural development, the state government is also bringing about comprehensive changes in the fields of education, health, and infrastructure. He noted that today, Chhattisgarh is home to national-level institutions like IIT, IIM, and AIIMS. Following the decline of Naxalism in Bastar, education and health services have expanded rapidly, and complex surgeries like brain tumor surgeries are now being successfully performed there.

He stated that the state’s rail infrastructure is also expanding rapidly. 32 railway stations in the state are being upgraded to world-class standards. The Kharsia-Parmalkasa rail line was recently approved, and the long-pending Katghora-Dongargarh rail project is also nearing completion.

Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Devangan, Vice President of State Gauseva Commission Shri Rajiv Lochan Ji Maharaj, Editor of Nayi Duniya newspaper Shri Satish Chandra Srivastava along with many public representatives, agriculture experts, progressive farmers and dignitaries were present in the program.