Under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, the state’s agricultural landscape is changing through initiatives that recognise and support farmers
Nearly 43.7 million metric tonnes of paddy procured and over Rs 1.40 lakh crore paid to farmers in three years
This year’s major paddy procurement drive to begin on November 15, coinciding with Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
Raipur, October 2026: Chhattisgarh is known as the rice bowl of India, with agriculture and farmers forming the backbone of its economy and rural life. Recognising farmers’ prosperity as essential to the state’s overall development, the government under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has taken several important decisions over the past three years to give fresh direction to the agricultural sector.
Efforts to ensure better prices for farm produce, provide financial assistance, modernise agriculture and bring transparency to the procurement system are showing results. The procurement of nearly 43.7 million metric tonnes of paddy and payments exceeding Rs 1.40 lakh crore to farmers over the past three years underline the importance of paddy procurement to the state's agricultural economy.
Large-scale paddy procurement and payments over three years
Under Chief Minister Sai’s leadership, approximately 14.492 million metric tonnes of paddy were procured during the Kharif Marketing Season 2023-24 and 14.925 million metric tonnes in 2024-25. In 2025-26, procurement stood at around 14.2 million metric tonnes.
Thus, nearly 43.7 million metric tonnes of paddy were procured over the three Kharif seasons, with farmers receiving approximately Rs 1.40 lakh crore. The system has not only ensured payments for their produce but also strengthened the rural economy.
Paddy procurement at Rs 3,100 per quintal
In a decision aimed at benefiting farmers, the state Cabinet has decided to begin paddy procurement for the 2026-27 Kharif Marketing Season from November 15. This year, paddy will be purchased from more than 27.50 lakh farmers at Rs 3,100 per quintal, with a maximum procurement limit of 21 quintals per acre.
To make the process easier, farmers registered last year with an AgriStack ID have been exempted from fresh registration. They will also not be required to bring their loan passbooks to procurement centres to sell their produce.
Digital Crop Surveys will enable online determination of cultivated areas, while biometric-based procurement will ensure transparency. With the addition of 360 new procurement centres, paddy will be purchased through a total of 3,100 centres across the state.
Over Rs 35,904 crore disbursed under Krishak Unnati Yojana
Under the Krishak Unnati Yojana, approximately 25.52 lakh farmers received Rs 35,904.90 crore between Kharif 2023 and Kharif 2025, providing them with financial support.
To encourage farmers to shift from paddy cultivation to other remunerative crops, the assistance amount has been increased from Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,000 per acre. Additionally, farmers in the state have received more than Rs 12,267.39 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Focus on modern farming, irrigation and crop diversification
To modernise agriculture and improve farm productivity, 8,567 agricultural machines have been provided since 2024-25, while 678 Farm Machinery Banks have been established.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, drip and sprinkler irrigation facilities have been extended to 46,615 hectares, with subsidies exceeding Rs 201.07 crore provided to farmers.
Through AgriStack, geo-referencing of 19,751 villages has been completed and more than 43 lakh farmers have been registered.
To promote pulses and oilseed production, procurement of tur, soybean, gram, lentils and mustard was undertaken through 273 centres across 29 districts under the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan. Farmers received Rs 219.08 crore in payments.
Under the National Mission on Edible Oils, expansion across 94,615 hectares and the establishment of 10 oil extraction units have been proposed.
Crop insurance and measures to ensure farm security
Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, more than 16.70 lakh farmers enrolled for crop insurance during the 2025-26 Kharif and Rabi seasons. Claims amounting to Rs 292.43 crore were paid to 1,40,730 farmers.
To ensure adequate fertiliser availability, the state stocked more than 18.02 lakh metric tonnes against a target of 15.55 lakh metric tonnes for Kharif 2026. Inspections and enforcement measures were also undertaken to prevent black marketing and hoarding.
With nearly 40 lakh farming families and 82 per cent of its farmers belonging to the small and marginal categories, agricultural development in Chhattisgarh is directly linked to rural prosperity.
On the occasion of the state’s foundation celebrations, these initiatives highlight agriculture's central role in the state's development. Under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, the government is working to empower farmers through paddy procurement, financial assistance, modern technology, irrigation and crop diversification.
The prosperity of farmers, growth of agriculture and strength of the rural economy remain central to the vision of building a developed Chhattisgarh.
