Raipur: In a major decision for farmers, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, approved a one-time payment of nearly ₹10,000 crore to paddy farmers under the Krishak Unnati Yojana. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Saw announced that the payment will be transferred directly to farmers’ accounts before Holi, benefiting over 25 lakh farmers across the state.
One-Time Payment to Farmers
The Cabinet meeting held at Nava Raipur Secretariat decided to compensate farmers selling paddy at Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹3,100 per quintal by paying the difference amount. This ensures that farmers receive the full value of their crops, reflecting the government’s commitment to fair pricing and farmer welfare.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said,
“Our government does not just procure paddy, but ensures fair remuneration for farmers’ hard work and protects their dignity. The smile of our farmers is our greatest asset.”
Impact on Paddy Farmers
- Number of Beneficiaries: 25,24,339 farmers
- Paddy Procured: 141.04 lakh metric tonnes during Kharif Marketing Year 2025-26
- Payment Amount: ₹10,000 crore to be transferred before Holi
- Cumulative Payments: Over ₹25,000 crore have been paid in the past two years under the Krishak Unnati Yojana; the Holi payment will raise this to ₹35,000 crore
The initiative is expected to provide financial support and festive cheer to farmers ahead of Holi.
Government Commitment to Farmers
CM Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized the importance of farmers to the state’s economy and prosperity, stating that the government is fully committed to:
- Ensuring financial empowerment of farmers
- Maintaining farmer dignity and respect
- Supporting economic growth and rural development
Political Context
The move comes amid political debates over paddy procurement, with opposition parties claiming some farmers were unable to sell their paddy due to token issues. The one-time payment before Holi addresses these concerns and provides immediate relief to farmers, showcasing the government’s proactive approach.
About the Krishak Unnati Yojana
The Krishak Unnati Yojana is Chhattisgarh’s flagship program for supporting farmers by paying the difference between MSP and market prices of paddy. The scheme ensures that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce and contributes to the state’s agricultural growth and farmer welfare.
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