In a move benefiting farmers before the festive season, the Chhattisgarh government, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, sanctioned a substantial Rs 10,000 crore lump-sum payment to paddy farmers through the Krishak Unnati Yojana. This initiative ensures that farmers are paid a higher rate than the Central Minimum Support Price for their paddy, with the state procuring 141.04 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from over 25.24 lakh farmers for the Kharif Marketing Year 2025-26. The financial aid will be directly deposited into farmers’ bank accounts before the Holi festival, providing timely relief to numerous beneficiaries.
The decision, made during a crucial Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Raipur, underscores the government’s commitment to acknowledging and supporting the hard work of farmers. The administration’s focus extends beyond paddy procurement to recognizing and backing the agricultural backbone of the state. This year’s disbursement will raise the total financial assistance provided to farmers under the scheme to about Rs 35,000 crore over the past few years, demonstrating the government’s sustained dedication to agrarian welfare.
The Cabinet also approved key legislative preparations for the upcoming Budget session, including the draft of the Governor’s address for the eighth session of the Sixth Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly starting on February 23, 2026. Furthermore, the ‘Chhattisgarh Appropriation Bill, 2026’ was cleared for presentation, paving the way for the tabling of the 2026–27 state Budget estimates. This will be the third Budget presented by the Vishnu Deo Sai administration, with details on the presentation date and theme expected to be announced by late February.
The financial support provided to farmers is anticipated to significantly benefit the agricultural community in Chhattisgarh, known as India’s rice bowl. This move is likely to boost rural consumption and economic sentiment in the state, especially ahead of the Holi festival.
