Raipur, 02 August 2024//

Prime Minister  Narendra Modi’s guarantee has become a symbol of trust, development, and transformation for the people of Chhattisgarh. The state government’s farmer welfare policies have significantly increased agricultural profits for farmers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister  Vishnu Deo Sai, numerous pivotal decisions have been made to empower farmers and streamline the process from crop cultivation to sales. As a result, Chhattisgarh is the only state in India where farmers receive the highest Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their paddy.

Through the Krishak Unnati Yojana, the state government is procuring 21 quintals of paddy per acre at a rate of Rs. 3,100 per quintal from the state’s farmers. This policy has sparked enthusiasm among the farming community. Upholding its commitment to farmers, the  Vishnu Deo Sai government in Chhattisgarh disbursed Rs. 3,716 crore to the bank accounts of 13 lakh farmers on December 25, 2023, Good Governance Day, as payment for a two-year pending paddy bonus.

The incentives provided to farmers have shown tangible results in the 2023-24 fiscal year, with 144.92 lakh metric tonnes of paddy procured at support prices from 24.75 lakh farmers, amounting to Rs. 31,913 crores. Additionally, the state government paid a bonus of Rs. 13,320 crore as a price difference for paddy to 24.75 lakh farmers on January 12, 2024.

Chief Minister  Vishnu Deo Sai, prioritising farmers’ interests, decided to amend the Chhattisgarh Krishi Upaj Mandi Adhiniyam. This amendment allows traders and processing unit holders with single registration or licenses from other states’ market boards or committees to buy and sell notified agricultural produce through the e-NAM portal (National Agriculture Market) operated by the Government of India without additional registration. This change aims to help farmers and sellers in Chhattisgarh secure the highest prices for their produce. According to the amendment, the term “mandi fee and farmer welfare fee (Krihsak Kalyan Shulk)” will replace “mandi fee.” Furthermore, the Mandi board will allocate 10 percent of its annual income to the Chhattisgarh State Farmer Welfare Fund for farmer welfare activities.

The Chhattisgarh Government has also decided to implement the Deendayal Upadhyaya Bhumiheen Krishi Mazdoor Yojana to address the challenges faced by farm labourers. Under this scheme, landless agricultural labourers will receive annual financial assistance of Rs. 10,000. The government has allocated Rs. 500 crore in the 2024-2025 budget for this initiative. Additionally, the government has ensured the timely distribution of quality fertilisers and seeds to farmers.