Raipur, August 12, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today said that agriculture forms the robust foundation of the state’s economy and rural life. Farmers are the pivot of the state’s progress, and Chhattisgarh’s prosperity is intrinsically linked to theirs.
The state government is continuously working to increase farmers’ income, make agriculture profitable, and expand new possibilities within the agricultural sector, Sai said.
He emphasized that ensuring farmers receive a better price for their produce is a government priority. Paddy is being procured from farmers in the state at a rate of Rs 3100 per quintal, up to a limit of 21 quintals per acre. This has strengthened the economic condition of farming families and given fresh momentum to the rural economy.
Irrigation facilities are being rapidly expanded to boost agricultural productivity. The government aims to provide assured irrigation facilities to the maximum possible agricultural area, enabling farmers to reduce their dependence on rainfall and achieve higher yields, the Chief Minister said.
Today, on the occasion of the Hareli festival, Chief Minister Sai attended the housewarming ceremony and Hareli celebration held at the new official residence of Revenue Minister Tankram Verma in Naya Raipur. He extended his best wishes for Hareli, Chhattisgarh’s first folk estival, to the public representatives and citizens present. Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh was notably present on this occasion.
Chief Minister Sai remarked that Revenue Minister Tankram Verma moving into his new official residence on an auspicious day like Hareli makes the occasion even more special. Hareli is a festival deeply rooted in Chhattisgarh’s agricultural culture, nature, and rural life. On this day, farmers express gratitude to nature by worshipping agricultural tools and cattle, while praying for good rainfall, abundant harvests, and family well-being. The festival symbolizes Chhattisgarh’s rich tradition, where nature, agriculture, and folk life are inextricably linked.
He added that to boost farmers’ income, the focus is shifting beyond traditional farming to include allied, income-generating agricultural activities. He stated that the ‘double-engine’ government, comprising both the central and state governments, is encouraging farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques, irrigation, and farm mechanization, as well as to engage in other income-generating activities through various schemes.
Sai remarked that if farmers become economically strong, villages will prosper, and the pace of building a developed Chhattisgarh will accelerate. The welfare of the Annadata (food provider/farmer) lies at the core of the government’s policies, and systematic efforts are underway to make agriculture more prosperous and profitable.
Congratulating Verma and his family on their housewarming ceremony in the new residence, the Chief Minister wished them a happy, prosperous, and auspicious life.
Extending his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of the Hareli festival, Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh noted that Hareli is a significant festival celebrating Chhattisgarh’s folk culture and agricultural traditions. Hareli marks the beginning of a joyous season of festivals across the state; today, the entire state is immersed in the spirit of Hareli.
Assembly Speaker Dr Singh observed that good rainfall this year has generated enthusiasm among farmers and raised hopes for a bountiful harvest. He prayed that the state’s fields would flourish with abundant crops, prosperity would fill the farmers’ homes, and Chhattisgarh would continue to progress.
He extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Revenue Minister Verma and his family on their housewarming in the new official residence.
Dignitaries present on the occasion included former Governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, Industries Minister Lakhanlal Dewangan, Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, MLAs Motilal Sahu and Indrakumar Sahu, former Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal, and Dr Rampratap Singh (Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board), along with other public representatives, prominent citizens, and the family members of Revenue Minister Verma.
