Raipur 

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government has taken many far-reaching decisions in the interest of farmers, recognizing their needs. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a powerful example of this. The financial assistance provided to farmers through this scheme is proving helpful in meeting their farming needs. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai made this statement while addressing the PM Kisan Utsav Diwas program held at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium on the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University campus in the capital, Raipur.  

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing the PM Kisan Utsav Diwas program held in Banaskantha, Gujarat today. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred over ₹18,690 crore to the bank accounts of over 93.4 million farmers across the country as the 24th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

 Chief Minister Sai said that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is an important scheme that provides regular financial assistance to farmers to meet their farming needs. Small and marginal farmers, in particular, are receiving financial support from this scheme.

Over 24.59 lakh farmers of Chhattisgarh received Rs 498.48 crore: Chief Minister Sai

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that under the 24th installment of the Prime Minister's Kisan Samman Nidhi, an amount of Rs 498 crore 48 lakh has been transferred to the bank accounts of 24 lakh 59 thousand 707 farmers of Chhattisgarh. This has provided financial assistance to millions of farmer families in the state to meet their farming needs.

The Chief Minister informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, more than 11,776 crore rupees have been provided to Chhattisgarh farmers in 24 installments so far. This amount has been transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts, making the aid distribution process transparent and smooth.

Chief Minister Sai said that it is crucial for farmers to have timely access to financial assistance for seeds, manure, fertilizers, and other farming needs. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana was launched with these needs in mind. This scheme is particularly helping small and marginal farmers in conducting their agricultural activities.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a visionary initiative to empower farmers economically by understanding their small needs. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of all the farmer families of Chhattisgarh.

Chief Minister Sai said that only the prosperity of farmers will strengthen the rural economy. Rising incomes, improved facilities, and the expansion of modern technology in the agricultural sector will play a crucial role in realizing the resolve for a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India.

The state government stands firmly with the farmers affected by the natural calamity.

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai stated that protecting the interests of farmers is an important responsibility of the state government. The government has taken seriously the damage to crops in various areas of the state due to Cyclone Arnab. All district collectors have been instructed to conduct immediate crop damage surveys to provide timely relief to affected farmers.

The Chief Minister said that based on the survey, the affected farmers will be provided with the necessary assistance in accordance with the provisions of RBC 6-4 and the prescribed criteria. The district administration has been instructed to ensure this process on priority.

He said that in this challenging time of natural disaster, the state government stands firmly with every affected farmer. No effort will be spared in providing relief and assistance to protect the farmers' hard work and their interests.

Paddy procurement to begin from November 15, 360 new procurement centers to be opened for farmers

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai stated that the Chhattisgarh government is fully committed to increasing farmers' income and ensuring fair prices for their produce. Arrangements have been made to purchase a maximum of 21 quintals of paddy per acre from farmers in the state at a rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal. This rate is among the highest offered for paddy procurement in the country.

The Chief Minister informed that paddy procurement will begin in the state from November 15 under the Kharif marketing year 2026-27. To ensure that farmers do not have to travel long distances to sell their produce and to ensure they have better facilities at procurement centers, the state government is establishing 360 new paddy procurement centers.

He said that the opening of new procurement centers will facilitate farmers in selling their produce. Necessary arrangements are being made to make the paddy procurement process more smooth, transparent, and systematic.

Chief Minister Sai said that the state government is striving to ensure that no farmer faces unnecessary difficulties in selling paddy. Ensuring the convenience of farmers, fair prices for their hard work, and timely payment are among the government's priorities.

Irrigation, modern agriculture and alternative sources of income are being encouraged.

Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that making farming more profitable is essential for sustainably increasing farmers' income. To this end, the state government is focusing on expanding irrigation facilities, utilizing modern agricultural techniques, and developing new agriculture-based livelihood opportunities.

He said that alongside traditional farming, activities such as organic farming, natural farming, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries are being promoted. These activities will provide additional sources of income for farmers and strengthen the rural economy.

The Chief Minister called on farmers to take maximum advantage of the government's various farmer-friendly schemes and adopt modern and profitable agricultural practices.
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country's farmers, who provide food, are the strongest foundation for the resolve for a developed India. The vision of a developed India cannot be realized without the prosperity, self-reliance, and economic empowerment of farmers. The Central Government is continuously working to increase farmers' income, reduce farming costs, and connect the agricultural sector with modern technology and scientific research. He said that in the last 12 years, unprecedented work has been done to provide economic security to farmers, increase agricultural production, and strengthen the rural economy. Today, the country's agriculture budget has increased fivefold compared to 2013-14.

Addressing the programme, Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is continuously working to make the farmers economically strong and self-reliant.

He said that the state government's system of purchasing paddy from farmers at a rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal is an important example of the state government's farmer-friendly policies. Providing farmers with a fair price for their produce is strengthening the rural economy.

Revenue Minister Verma stated that under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Landless Agricultural Laborer Welfare Scheme, the state government is providing financial assistance of 10,000 rupees per year to eligible landless agricultural laborer families. This is providing financial support to landless agricultural laborer families.

He said that due to the coordinated efforts of the Central and State Governments, financial assistance, agricultural resources and better facilities are being provided to the farmers.

Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the benefits of the schemes run for the welfare of farmers are reaching the eligible beneficiaries directly in a transparent manner.

He said that under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, eligible farmers are provided financial assistance of 6,000 rupees per year through DBT. This is helping farmers meet their farming needs.

Minister Guru Khuswant Saheb said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government is continuously making efforts to increase the income of farmers and modernize the agriculture sector.

Minister Guru Khushwant Sahib said that crop diversification will create new income opportunities for farmers. This will make the agricultural sector more profitable and strengthen the rural economy.

Chairperson Savita Chandrakar, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Seed Development Corporation Chandrahas Chandrakar, District Panchayat Chairman Naveen Kumar Agarwal, Chairman Guru Saurabh Saheb, Secretary of Agriculture Department Siddharth Komal Pardeshi, Director of Agriculture Department Rahul Dev and Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Seed and Agriculture Development Corporation Ajay Agarwal, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University Dr. Girish Chandel along with agricultural experts, departmental officers, public representatives and a large number of farmers were present in the program.