Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while addressing a state-level review meeting followed by a press interaction in Raipur today, said that Chhattisgarh is making remarkable progress in the fields of agriculture and rural development. He informed that a joint team comprising scientists, farmers, and officials from the Central and State governments will be constituted this week to develop strategies for crop diversification and enhancement of productivity in line with local agro-climatic conditions. Along with this, integrated farming systems and programmes to create diversified income sources for small and marginal farmers will be implemented across the state.
The Union Minister stated that under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the State Government is actively working across all dimensions of agriculture and rural development. He interacted directly with farmers at Khapri, where he reviewed the adoption of modern agricultural practices. During the press interaction, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, and State Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam were also present.

The Union Minister observed advanced cultivation practices related to fruit and vegetable farming, grafting nurseries, Bhata method cultivation of tomato and capsicum, and cultivation of dragon fruit, dates, blueberries, and bananas. He pointed out that while traditional crops yield an income of ₹35,000–40,000 per acre, the adoption of modern horticulture and high-tech farming practices can increase farmers’ income to ₹1–2 lakh per acre. Teams from the Agriculture Department provided guidance on scientific use of pesticides, disease management, and selection of high-yielding crop varieties.
Shri Chouhan stated that special initiatives will be undertaken to promote pulse production on fallow lands. Procurement of pulses such as lentil, urad, moong and arhar at Minimum Support Price (MSP) will be ensured. Simultaneously, cultivation of oilseed crops including groundnut, mustard and palm oil will also be encouraged.
The Union Minister further said that integrated farming systems will be implemented in the state to provide multiple income streams to small and marginal farmers. These systems will include animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture, industrial crops and organic farming, enabling farmers to enhance income sustainability.
Sharing key figures from the rural development sector, Shri Chouhan informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 18,12,742 houses have been sanctioned and delivered in Chhattisgarh over the past one and a half years. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 10,199 roads covering a total length of 47,847 kilometres and 123 major bridges have been constructed across the state.
Emphasising women’s empowerment, the Union Minister said that the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme is being implemented at a rapid pace through Self Help Groups (SHGs). At present, 30,68,000 women are associated with 2,76,000 SHGs, while 4,32,000 women are actively engaged in micro-enterprises. Additionally, ₹11,196.16 crore has been provided as credit support to women beneficiaries.
The Union Minister stated that the Central and State Governments are working in close coordination across every aspect of agriculture and rural development in Chhattisgarh. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India will leave no stone unturned in accelerating rural and agricultural development in the state. He congratulated the Chief Minister and the State Government team for their excellent work and reaffirmed that all initiatives aimed at empowering farmers, poor families and women are being implemented at an accelerated pace.
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RDJ

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