Our Government is Fulfilling Every Promise Made to Farmers: CM Sai
Raipur, March 21
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today inaugurated the two-day State-Level Oilseed Farmers’ Fair at the Rajmohini Devi College of Agriculture and Research Centre in Ambikapur, Surguja district. On this occasion, he inspected stalls set up by various departments and praised the modern agricultural technologies and measures being provided to farmers to boost oilseed production. Marking World Forestry Day, the Chief Minister planted a Sal sapling within the college premises under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (A tree in mother’s name) campaign and appealed to the public to plant more trees for environmental protection.
Commitment to Farmers’ Welfare
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that India is an agrarian country and Chhattisgarh is known as the “Rice Bowl,” where nearly 80% of the population depends on agriculture. He highlighted that the state government is procuring paddy at the rate of 21 quintals per acre for ₹3,100, with the difference amount being paid in a lump sum. “For the past two years, our government has been fulfilling every single promise made to the farmers,” Shri Sai remarked. During his interaction with the farmers, he also confirmed that they had received the paddy price difference payments and other scheme benefits before Holi.
A Push for Self-Reliance in Oilseeds
The Chief Minister noted that while the country has become self-sufficient in food grain production, there is still a shortage in oilseed production. Currently, India produces only about 57% of its required oilseeds and must import the remaining 43%.
* Incentives: To bridge this gap, he announced that a provision has been made to provide an incentive of ₹11,000 per acre for oilseed crops, similar to the Krishak Unnati Yojana.
* Diversification: He urged farmers to adopt suggestions from scientists and increase income through allied sectors like animal husbandry, dairy production, and fisheries.
* Affordability: He mentioned that improvements in GST have led to a decrease in the prices of agricultural machinery, directly benefiting farmers.
Institutional Support and Training
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to make the country self-reliant in edible oils. Meanwhile, Dr. Girish Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, shared details of the oilseed development program. He stated that improved seeds are being provided through the university, and approximately 50,000 farmers are trained annually through the state’s 28 agricultural colleges, 27 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and various research institutes.
The event was attended by Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj, MLAs Shri Prabodh Minj and Shri Ramkumar Toppo, Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission Chairman Shri Vishwa Vijay Singh Tomar, Mayor Smt. Manjusha Bhagat, and several other dignitaries and officials.