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Dhamtari, November 19, 2025: Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today at a state-level function here in Dhamtari district headquarters in Chhattisgarh stated that the dignity and prosperity of farmers is his government’s top priority.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide distribution of the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi from Coimbatore and the direct transfer of Rs 500 crore to the accounts of 25 lakh farmers in Chhattisgarh were highlights of the event.
Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan formally launched rural road projects worth Rs 2,225 crore, the expansion of the Makhana Board, direct payments to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, and several development announcements at the function.
Addressing the state-level function, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai made important remarks focusing on issues such as increasing farmers’ income, expanding agricultural technology, irrigation capacity, organic farming, and the Millet Mission.
The Chief Minister said that 24,70,640 farmers in the state have received direct benefits from the release of the installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana by Prime Minister Modi today.
Sai informed that an amount of Rs 494 crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of farmers, forest patta holders, and families from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). He said that the state government has increased the number of beneficiaries by registering 275,000 new farmers under this scheme.
Chhattisgarh Leads in Paddy Procurement
The Chief Minister said that paddy procurement in Chhattisgarh is being made more robust and farmer-friendly. He said that the state government is purchasing paddy at the rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal and farmers have been allowed to sell up to 21 quintals per acre. The Chief Minister said that the purchase of 149 lakh metric tons of paddy this year is a testament to the trust of our farmers and the commitment of the government.
In the initial years of the formation of the separate state of Chhattisgarh, paddy procurement was only 5 lakh metric tons, which has now increased manifold, he said.
Expansion of the Krishak Unnati Yojana
The state government has expanded the scope of the Krishak Unnati Yojana to include pulses, oilseeds, and maize crops, Sai said.
If farmers who have benefited from the paddy crop cultivate these crops, they will also receive the full benefits of the scheme, he said adding that the scheme’s benefits are also being extended to farmers in Regha, Batai, Lease, and Submergence areas, directly strengthening agriculture-based livelihoods.
The Chief Minister also informed that in the last 22 months, approximately Rs 1.25 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers’ accounts through various schemes. He said that within two weeks of the government’s formation, Rs 3,716 crore was given as bonus to 1.3 lakh farmers.
The Chief Minister said that the increased importance given to the Millet Mission by the Prime Minister has greatly benefited Chhattisgarh’s traditional Kodo-Kutki and Ragi producers.
Citing the example of “Jashpure” brand products manufactured by self-help groups in Jashpur district, he said, “Mahua laddus and kodo-kutki-based products are becoming popular across the country.”
Sai said Chhattisgarh has immense potential for organic farming, as the use of chemical fertilizers is minimal in tribal areas. The Chief Minister said that Rs 2,800 crore has been approved for 115 irrigation projects pending since 2015, which will provide irrigation facilities to millions of farmers.
He said that the reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) has increased the purchase of tractors and agricultural machinery. Sai said, “Many business delegations report that the purchasing power of farmers has increased significantly after the GST reduction.”
The programme concluded with gratitude to the farmers and a pledge to maintain the continuity of Chhattisgarh’s rural and agricultural development.
Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, State Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Minister Dayaldas Baghel, Tankaram Verma, and several public representatives were present on the occasion.
At the event, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented documents detailing approved rural road projects worth Rs 2,225 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana. Through these projects, approximately 780 villages in Chhattisgarh will be connected to paved roads for the first time, and over 2,500 kilometers of new rural roads will be constructed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has given a new direction to infrastructure expansion in the country, and road construction in rural areas strengthens economic activity, he said.
Union Minister Chouhan announced that Chhattisgarh will now be included in the National Makhana Development Board established by the central government. He stated that this decision will provide a significant opportunity for farmers in the state to develop Makhana production, processing, value addition, and connect with the national market.
In his address, Union Minister Chouhan mentioned the major national decisions taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, including the construction of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir
These include peaceful evictions, the passage of the Women’s Reservation Act, and decisions strengthening national security. He stated that all these steps are historic milestones in India’s journey towards development and self-reliance.
Union Minister Chouhan also highlighted the decisive blow to Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. He stated that a coordinated campaign under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah has significantly reduced Naxal violence in the state, and Naxalism has now reached its “final stage.”
He described this as a major step towards the state’s development, investment, and rural peace.
In his address, he praised the efforts of the current Chhattisgarh government, stating that the state is rapidly returning to the mainstream of development. He noted that in previous years, many central schemes were not effectively implemented due to corruption and commission-taking, but now benefits are reaching eligible farmers, villagers, and women directly.
Thousands of farmers and rural citizens participated in the programme. On this occasion, agricultural kits, equipment, and other materials were distributed to beneficiaries of various schemes. Exhibitions related to agricultural technology, rural infrastructure, women self-help groups, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana and Atmanirbhar Bharat were also organized at the venue, which were enthusiastically visited by farmers and rural representatives.
Union Minister Chouhan, on the completion of 25 years of the formation of Chhattisgarh state, mentioned the achievements of this state founded by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said that the Central and State governments together are committed to establishing the state among the leading states of the country.
