Raipur. Paddy procurement will begin in Chhattisgarh on November 15th this year. For the convenience of farmers, the state government is opening 360 new paddy procurement centers. This will eliminate the need for farmers to travel long distances to sell their paddy and reduce crowd pressure at the centers. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai announced this at the "Utkrisht Krishak Ratna Samman Samaroh" in Raipur on Tuesday.

At a program organized to mark the birth anniversary of revered Manharan Lal Pandey, CM Sai honored progressive farmers from across the state. He stated that increasing farmers' prosperity and income is the government's top priority. Approximately 80 percent of Chhattisgarh's population is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. Only through the prosperity of farmers will villages and the state prosper.

Irrigation projects worth Rs 10,000 crore started

The Chief Minister said that irrigation facilities are being expanded to make farming profitable. New irrigation projects worth approximately ₹10,000 crore have been launched in the last two years. ₹2,800 crore has been approved for the renovation of 1,500 old irrigation projects. Upon completion, the irrigated area will increase by approximately 76,000 hectares.

Several irrigation projects are also underway, including the Matnar and Deurgaon projects on the Indravati River. The government aims to reduce farmers' dependence on rainfall and increase agricultural productivity.

Agricultural loans available at zero percent interest

Sai said that Kisan Credit Cards have helped farmers raise capital for farming. Previously, loans from cooperative banks had to be taken at interest rates of up to 18 percent, but now farmers have access to agricultural loans at zero percent interest.

Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap said that the Chief Minister himself comes from a family of farmers and understands their needs. Public representatives, organizing committee members, and a large number of farmers were present at the event.