Special Article: Policy Reforms Boost Pride and Prosperity of Chhattisgarh’s Farmers

Year-on-year growth in farmer numbers, cultivated land, and production reflects strong government support

Raipur : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and with the guidance of Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Chhattisgarh’s farmers are experiencing a new era of prosperity. Through effective policy decisions, the state government has empowered farmers and enhanced their dignity. Acting promptly on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantees, the state government procured paddy from registered farmers at the support price of ₹3,100 per quintal for up to 21 quintals per acre. This move not only uplifted the farmers’ morale but also contributed to agricultural development.

Over the past 18 months, nearly ₹1.25 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers’ accounts under various welfare schemes. As a result, there has been a consistent increase in the number of farmers, cultivated area, and overall agricultural output.

Agriculture forms the backbone of both the national and Chhattisgarh economies. Famously known as the “Rice Bowl of India,” Chhattisgarh’s agricultural sector has received a major boost through these policy measures. During the 2023–24 kharif procurement season, the government achieved a record procurement of 144.92 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 24.75 lakh farmers, disbursing ₹32,000 crore as support price and an additional ₹13,320 crore under the Kisan Samriddhi Yojana.

For 2024–25, 149.25 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were procured, and ₹34,500 crore was paid to farmers, with another ₹12,000 crore transferred as price differential. The government also cleared two years’ worth of paddy bonus payments, amounting to ₹3,716 crore, fulfilling a long-standing commitment.

Zero-interest short-term agricultural loans up to ₹5 lakh have been made available since April 2014. In 2024, loans worth ₹6,912 crore were distributed to 15.21 lakh farmers. The target for 2025 is ₹7,800 crore, of which ₹5,124 crore has already been disbursed by July 11.

To improve irrigation access, the state implemented the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and the Solar Sujala Scheme for remote forest areas. These initiatives, alongside integrated efforts for landless laborers and allied agricultural activities, have strengthened rural livelihoods.

For 2024–25, the agriculture department’s budget was raised by 33% to ₹13,435 crore. ₹10,000 crore was allocated under the Krishak Unnati Yojana, ₹3,500 crore for free electricity to pumps up to 5 HP, ₹600 crore for landless farmer assistance, and ₹750 crore for the crop insurance scheme.

Additionally, over 26 lakh farmers in Chhattisgarh benefit from the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, receiving ₹6,000 annually. Recognizing Chhattisgarh’s bumper harvest, the Centre has set a target to procure 78 lakh metric tonnes of rice into the central pool.

These farmer-centric initiatives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to agricultural prosperity and economic resilience in Chhattisgarh.