CM Vishnu Deo Sai: Irrigation Expansion, Crop Diversification and Modern Farming Will Make Agriculture More Profitable

Progressive Farmers Honoured at ‘Farmers and Agriculture – Incentives & Outcomes’ Dialogue; Chhattisgarh Reaffirms Focus on Sustainable Agricultural Growth

Raipur (Economy India): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a more profitable, sustainable and technology-driven sector through expanded irrigation, crop diversification and modern farming practices.

Addressing the ‘Farmers and Agriculture – Incentives & Outcomes’ dialogue programme in Raipur, the Chief Minister honoured progressive farmers from across the state for their innovations and outstanding contribution to agriculture.

Agriculture is the Foundation of Chhattisgarh’s Economy

Describing agriculture as the backbone of the state’s economy and culture, Sai said the government is working to increase farmers’ incomes by promoting irrigation facilities, farm mechanisation, modern technologies and diversified cropping systems.

“Farming is not merely a source of livelihood; it is the foundation of Chhattisgarh’s economy, culture and social life. Our government is committed to making agriculture more profitable, modern and sustainable,” he said.

Record Paddy Procurement at ₹3,100 Per Quintal

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, the Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh currently offers one of the highest paddy procurement prices in the country.

The state is procuring paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal, with purchases of up to 21 quintals per acre. He also noted that the government fulfilled its promise of clearing the pending two years’ paddy bonus.

During the previous Kharif marketing season, the state procured a record 141 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from nearly 25 lakh farmers, significantly boosting rural incomes.

Crop Diversification to Reduce Dependence on Paddy

Sai urged farmers to diversify beyond paddy cultivation and adopt crops such as:

• Pulses
• Oilseeds
• Maize
• Kodo Millet
• Kutki Millet

To encourage diversification, the government will provide ₹15,000 per acre as input assistance to farmers shifting from paddy to these alternative crops under the revised Krishak Unnati Yojana.

He also stressed promoting horticulture, vegetable cultivation, dairy farming, fisheries and forest-based livelihoods to create multiple income streams for rural households.

Massive Push for Irrigation Infrastructure

The Chief Minister said expanding irrigation remains one of the government’s highest priorities.

The state is accelerating work on:

• New irrigation projects
• Barrages
• Anicuts
• Canal expansion
• Solar irrigation pumps
• Drip irrigation systems
• Sprinkler irrigation
• Farm mechanisation through subsidised modern equipment

Among the major projects announced are:

• Matnar and Deurgaon Barrages on the Indravati River with an investment of nearly ₹2,000 crore
• Sikasar-Kodar Canal Linking Project with an administrative approval of around ₹3,000 crore
• ₹2,800 crore allocated for renovation and modernization of existing irrigation infrastructure.

Technology Transforming Agriculture

Sai highlighted the growing role of technology in agriculture, noting that women trained as ‘Drone Didis’ are now using drones for Nano DAP spraying and precision farming.

He said educated youth are increasingly choosing agriculture and agri-business as viable career opportunities, reflecting growing confidence in the sector.

Bastar Witnessing New Development Phase

The Chief Minister said declining Left Wing Extremism has opened new opportunities for development in Bastar.

Government initiatives such as Niyad Nellanar and Bastar Munne are improving service delivery in remote regions, while around 70 former security camps will be converted into Seva Deras to support livelihood generation and community development.

• CM Vishnu Deo Sai emphasizes irrigation expansion and crop diversification.
• Paddy procurement continues at ₹3,100 per quintal.
• Record 141 lakh metric tonnes of paddy procured from 25 lakh farmers.
• ₹15,000 per acre incentive for farmers adopting alternative crops.
• Irrigation projects worth nearly ₹7,800 crore announced and approved.
• Modern farming technologies, Drone Didis and mechanisation to boost productivity.
• Industrial investment proposals of ₹8 lakh crore expected to create new jobs.

Industrial Investments to Generate Employment

Sai said Chhattisgarh’s new industrial policy has attracted investment proposals worth nearly ₹8 lakh crore.

He noted that investments in sectors such as:

• Semiconductors
• Textiles
• Data Centres
• Advanced Manufacturing

are expected to create large-scale employment opportunities for the state’s youth.

Infrastructure and Human Development

The Chief Minister also highlighted progress in education, healthcare and transport infrastructure.

He said Chhattisgarh now hosts premier institutions including:

• IIT
• IIM
• AIIMS

He further announced that 32 railway stations across the state are being upgraded under a modernization programme, while long-pending railway projects such as the Kharsia–Parmalkasa and Katghora–Dongargarh rail lines are moving forward.