Raipur: In a landmark initiative for farmers and rural infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) from Coimbatore. Simultaneously, ₹500 crore was directly credited to the bank accounts of 25 lakh farmers in Chhattisgarh in the presence of Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during a State-level event in Dhamtari.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, State Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Ministers Dayaldas Baghel and Tankram Verma, along with thousands of farmers and rural representatives.
Major Rural Infrastructure Projects Unveiled
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated rural road projects worth ₹2,225 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The projects aim to construct over 2,500 km of new all-weather rural roads, connecting nearly 780 villages across Chhattisgarh, enhancing connectivity and empowering local economies.
The Union Minister highlighted that the expansion of rural road networks under PMGSY will bring unprecedented momentum to economic and agricultural activities, and reiterated the Central Government’s commitment to transparent and direct benefits for farmers and rural citizens.
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Chhattisgarh Included in National Makhana Development Board
Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that Chhattisgarh has been included under the National Makhana Development Board, which will provide farmers with opportunities in production, processing, value addition, and access to national markets. The move is expected to significantly boost the income of farmers in the State.
PM-Kisan Installment Benefits 25 Lakh Farmers in Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the latest PM-Kisan installment has benefitted 24,70,640 farmers, with ₹494 crore transferred directly into the accounts of farmers, forest lease beneficiaries, and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) families. The State Government has also registered 2,75,000 new farmers, further expanding the scheme’s coverage.
Chhattisgarh Leading in Paddy Procurement
The Chief Minister highlighted the State’s achievements in paddy procurement, stating that farmers can now sell up to 21 quintals per acre at ₹3,100 per quintal, with procurement expected to reach 149 lakh metric tonnes this year — a substantial increase from the early years of the State’s formation when only 5 lakh metric tonnes were procured.
Expansion of Krishak Unnati Yojana and Millet Mission
The Krishak Unnati Yojana has been expanded to include pulses, oilseeds, and maize, and is now applicable to farmers cultivating on sharecropping, lease, or submerged lands. Nearly ₹1.25 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers’ accounts under various schemes in the past 22 months.
The Millet Mission has also gained momentum under PM Modi’s leadership, benefiting producers of traditional crops such as kodo-kutki and ragi. Women’s self-help groups, particularly in Jashpur, have seen growing demand for products like mahua laddoo and kodo-kutki preparations nationwide.
Irrigation and Agricultural Development Boost
Approval has been granted for ₹2,800 crore to complete 115 pending irrigation projects since 2015, which will benefit lakhs of farmers. The reduction in GST has further strengthened farmers’ purchasing power, leading to increased acquisition of tractors and agricultural machinery, according to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Government’s Commitment to Farmers and Rural Development
The programme concluded with reaffirmations from both the Union Minister and Chief Minister regarding the Centre and State Governments’ commitment to enhancing rural and agricultural development. Infrastructure, direct benefit transfers, crop diversification, and support for farmer welfare were highlighted as the top priorities.
Chhattisgarh has emerged as a leader in farmer-centric schemes, paddy procurement, rural infrastructure, and agricultural innovation. The State Government continues to implement projects that empower farmers, enhance rural connectivity, promote organic farming, and strengthen the income and livelihood of farming communities.
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