Chhattisgarh to Get 2,500 km of New Rural Roads Worth ₹2,225 Crore Under PMGSY

Raipur: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated rural road projects worth ₹2,225 crore, expansion of the National Makhana Development Board, direct payment of benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, and multiple development initiatives at the State-level ceremony held in Dhamtari today. The event witnessed the nationwide release of the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Coimbatore, along with the transfer of ₹500 crore directly into the bank accounts of 25 lakh farmers of Chhattisgarh. The presence of thousands of farmers and rural representatives marked the ceremony as a defining moment in the State’s development trajectory.

The programme was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, State Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Ministers Dayaldas Baghel and Tankram Verma, and several public representatives.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented documents related to the approval of rural road projects worth ₹2,225 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. These projects will connect nearly 780 villages of Chhattisgarh with all-weather paved roads and lead to the construction of over 2,500 kilometres of new rural roads. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, infrastructure development in rural India has received unprecedented momentum, and the expansion of road connectivity will significantly empower economic activities in the region.

Shri Chouhan announced that Chhattisgarh will now be included under the National Makhana Development Board. He said that this decision will provide major opportunities to the State’s farmers in production, processing, value addition, and access to national markets.

In his address, the Union Minister highlighted major national decisions taken under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, including the construction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the peaceful abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, passage of the Women’s Reservation Act, and reforms strengthening national security. He described these decisions as historic milestones in India’s journey towards development and self-reliance.

Shri Chouhan also underlined the decisive action taken against Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. He stated that coordinated anti-Naxal operations under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah have significantly reduced Naxal violence, bringing it to its “final stage.” He called this a transformative step for the State’s development, investment climate, and rural peace.

The Union Minister appreciated the efforts of the present State Government, stating that Chhattisgarh is now rapidly returning to the mainstream of development. He said that in previous years, corruption and commission-driven practices hindered the effective implementation of Central schemes, but benefits are now reaching farmers, rural citizens, and women transparently and directly.

Thousands of farmers and villagers participated in the programme. Approval letters, agricultural kits, implements, and other materials were distributed to beneficiaries of various schemes. An exhibition showcasing agricultural technology, rural infrastructure, women’s self-help groups, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and initiatives under Aatmanirbhar Bharat was also organised, which received enthusiastic participation.

Shri Chouhan lauded the achievements of Chhattisgarh as the State completes 25 years of formation, recalling the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who established the State. He said that the Centre and the State Government are committed to elevating Chhattisgarh into the league of leading Indian States.

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai delivered a comprehensive statement focusing on farmers’ income enhancement, agricultural technology expansion, irrigation capacity, organic farming, and the Millet Mission. He stated that “the honour and prosperity of our farmers is the top priority of this Government.”

The Chief Minister said that the release of the PM-Kisan installment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has today benefitted 24,70,640 farmers in the State. An amount of ₹494 crore has been transferred directly into the bank accounts of farmers, forest lease beneficiaries, and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) families. The Chief Minister noted that the State Government has registered 2,75,000 new farmers under the scheme, expanding overall coverage.

Chhattisgarh Leading in Paddy Procurement

The Chief Minister said that paddy procurement in the State is being made stronger and more farmer-centric. He stated that the Government is procuring paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal and allowing farmers to sell up to 21 quintals per acre. He added that the procurement of 149 lakh metric tonnes of paddy this year reflects the trust of farmers and the Government’s commitment. He also noted that in the early years of State formation, paddy procurement stood at barely 5 lakh metric tonnes, which has now increased manifold.

Expansion of Krishak Unnati Yojana

The Chief Minister informed that the scope of the Krishak Unnati Yojana has been expanded to include pulses, oilseeds, and maize. Farmers who are already availing benefits for paddy cultivation will also be eligible if they cultivate these crops.

The scheme has also been extended to farmers cultivating on sharecropping, lease, and submerged lands.

He further stated that nearly ₹1.25 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers’ accounts under various schemes over the past 22 months. He recalled that within two weeks of the formation of the Government, ₹3,716 crore was disbursed as bonus to 13 lakh farmers.

Speaking on the Millet Mission, the Chief Minister said that the increased national focus under Prime Minister Modi has benefitted traditional producers of kodo-kutki and ragi in Chhattisgarh. He cited the example of “JashPure” brand products made by women’s self-help groups in Jashpur district, stating that “mahua laddoo and kodo-kutki products are gaining popularity across the country.”

He highlighted the vast potential for organic farming in Chhattisgarh, particularly because tribal regions have historically used minimal chemical fertilisers.

The Chief Minister said that approval has been granted for ₹2,800 crore to complete 115 irrigation projects pending since 2015, which will provide irrigation benefits to lakhs of farmers.

He added that the reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) has boosted the purchase of tractors and agricultural machinery. “Several trade delegations report a significant increase in farmers’ purchasing power after the GST reduction,” he said.

The programme concluded with expressions of gratitude to farmers and a reaffirmation of the commitment to continue strengthening rural and agricultural development in Chhattisgarh.