- A delegation of MLAs from Maharashtra paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai
- Studied Chhattisgarh’s paddy procurement system, farmer-friendly schemes and agricultural development model.
- The delegation praised the paddy procurement system of Chhattisgarh.
A delegation of MLAs from Maharashtra paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai today at the Chief Minister’s residence in Raipur. The delegation sought detailed information from Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai regarding the paddy procurement system in Chhattisgarh, schemes being implemented in the interest of farmers, reforms being undertaken in the agricultural sector, and efforts being made to strengthen the rural economy. Chief Minister Shri Sai extended a warm welcome to the delegation and said that Chhattisgarh is an agricultural state and a large population here depends on agriculture. The state government is continuously working to increase farmers’ income, make agriculture profitable, and strengthen the rural economy. He welcomed the delegation by presenting them a memento of Bastar Art, a symbol of Bastar’s rich tribal art and culture.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government and the State Government are working in coordination to bring positive change in the lives of farmers. In Chhattisgarh, along with ensuring fair prices for farmers’ produce, assistance is being provided for agricultural investment, expansion of irrigation facilities, use of modern technologies, and crop diversification is also being encouraged. The Chief Minister informed that paddy is being procured from farmers in the state at the rate of Rs. 3100 per quintal. The State Government procured approximately 141 lakh metric tons of paddy during the Kharif marketing year, which is one of the largest paddy procurement campaigns in the country. He said that for the convenience of farmers, approximately 2700 paddy procurement centers are being operated across the state, where paddy is procured in a transparent and systematic manner. An extensive network of storage centers and warehouses has been developed for safe storage of paddy.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is striving to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulties in selling their produce. To this end, the process, from registration to paddy weighing, transportation, and payment, has been simplified and technology-based. In addition to ensuring timely payments to farmers, their economic well-being is being strengthened through various schemes. The Chief Minister also informed the delegation about various schemes implemented by the state government for the benefit of farmers, including the Krishak Unnati Yojana. He stated that the state government is committed to making farming more profitable and ensuring a steady increase in farmers’ income. Along with agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and other income-generating activities are also being promoted, thereby increasing the income of rural families.
During the discussion, members of the Maharashtra MLA delegation noted that a large number of farmers cultivate paddy in the four districts of Maharashtra bordering Chhattisgarh. They stated that Chhattisgarh’s paddy procurement system, support for farmers, and administrative management are highly effective and exemplary. Efforts made in the state to provide farmers with better prices for their produce and simplify the procurement process are commendable. Members of the delegation stated that Chhattisgarh’s paddy procurement model is a successful example of economic empowerment of farmers. They called for studying various aspects of this model and promoting similar efforts in the paddy-producing areas of Maharashtra.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the exchange of experiences and successful models between states plays an important role in strengthening the country’s agriculture sector. He expressed confidence that such study tours provide states with an opportunity to learn from each other’s successful experiences and adapt them to local conditions. Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, Maharashtra MLAs Dr. Parinay Phuke, Shri Vinod Agarwal, Shri Raju Karemore and Shri Sanjay Puram, Chhattisgarh Markfed Chairman Shri Shashikant Dwivedi, Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Rahul Bhagat and senior officials were present on the occasion.