In a massive boost to Chhattisgarh’s farming community, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai on Saturday directly transferred over ₹10,324 crore into the bank accounts of 25.28 lakh farmers under the Krishak Unnati Yojana. The event unfolded at a grand farmers’ convention in Rahangi village, Bilha development block, marking a historic moment just ahead of the Holi festival.
The Chief Minister personally inaugurated seven completed development projects worth ₹15.99 crore and laid the foundation stone for 82 new initiatives costing ₹247.18 crore, all in Bilaspur district. Over 1.25 lakh local farmers received ₹494.38 crore as input assistance, ensuring they celebrate Holi with financial security.
Addressing the jubilant crowd, CM Sai extended heartfelt Holi greetings, calling the day a tribute to farmers’ hard work. ‘Over 25 lakh farmers who sold paddy will now have more than ₹10,000 crore in their accounts,’ he announced. This timely transfer allows them to enjoy the festival without worries.
The state government has introduced zero-interest loans and farmer credit cards, benefiting lakhs. Chhattisgarh offers the highest paddy procurement prices in the country, a point of pride for the CM. Subsidies on fertilizers, expanded irrigation, and support for landless laborers underscore the administration’s commitment.
Highlighting national support, Sai praised PM Modi’s ₹6,000 annual honorarium to farmers and the ₹13,000 crore agriculture budget allocation. Efforts to harness the state’s mineral wealth, boost tourism, animal husbandry via NDDB pact, and fulfill election promises like approving 18 lakh PMAY houses reflect holistic progress.
Key announcements included upgrading health centers, schools, sports facilities, and allocating ₹50 lakh each for Satnami and tribal community halls. Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Netam termed it a historic milestone, while Bilha MLA Dharmlal Kaushik lauded the CM’s empathy for farmers’ toil.