Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday released a paddy bonus of Rs 10,324.84 crore directly into the accounts of 24.28 lakh farmers under the Krishak Unnati Yojana. Farmers appeared thrilled as the funds arrived just before the Holi festival. During the event, he interacted with them and gathered feedback on the scheme's impact. To boost district development, Sai inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 89 projects worth Rs 263.17 crore at a function in Rahangi village, Belha development block. These initiatives will improve transportation, health, education, and irrigation facilities, while the farmer aid is expected to spur agricultural investment and strengthen the rural economy. Addressing the gathering,

 

CM Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the farmers and extended Holi wishes. “Our government is farmer-friendly and deeply committed to their welfare through progressive schemes,” he said. “Lakhs of farmers now benefit from Kisan Credit Cards, offering zero-interest loans for farming, assured paddy prices unmatched elsewhere, and direct transfers to landless agricultural laborers. We're providing fertilizer subsidies, expanding irrigation, and strengthening cooperatives for profitability.”

 

He noted that this year's budget allocates over Rs 13,000 crore to agriculture, underscoring the government's sensitivity toward farmers. Irrigation networks are being expanded to ensure water reaches fields, while Chhattisgarh's vast potential will soon spark a milk revolution. The State has established a Department of Good Governance and Convergence, with e-offices promoting administrative transparency. As a mineral-rich state, Chhattisgarh is channeling resources judiciously toward development. Sai urged farmers to diversify crops, embrace innovation, and adopt mixed farming, including dairy and fisheries under a new action plan.

 

He warned of soil fertility loss from chemical fertilizers and encouraged a shift to organic practices for long-term prosperity. Dignitaries present included Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, MLAs Dharamlal Kaushik, Amar Agarwal, Dharamjeet Singh, and Sushant Shukla, Zila Panchayat President Rajesh Suryavanshi, CREDA Chairman Bhupendra Savanni, Chhattisgarh State Textbook Corporation Chairman Raja Pandey, District Cooperative Bank Chairman Rajneesh Singh, public representatives, farmers, officials, and a large number of people.