Raipur, Feb 28: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday transferred over ₹10,324 crore directly into the bank accounts of 25.28 lakh farmers across Chhattisgarh. The massive disbursement, conducted under the Krishak Unnati Yojana, took place during the Mega Farmers’ Conference held at Rahangi in the Bilha development block of Bilaspur district. Of the total beneficiaries, 1,25,352 farmers from Bilaspur district alone received ₹494.38 crore in their accounts.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the day marks a celebration of farmers’ honour and contribution. He emphasised that the state government ensured the transfer before Holi so that farmers could celebrate the festival with happiness and dignity. “Our government is a farmer-friendly administration dedicated to economic security and timely payments,” CM Sai said, noting that farmers faced no shortage of gunny bags this season and received payments without delay.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Chief Minister dedicated 89 development projects worth ₹263.17 crore to the region. This includes the inauguration of seven completed works valued at ₹15.99 crore and the foundation stone laying for 82 new infrastructure projects worth ₹247.18 crore. These projects are expected to provide fresh momentum to infrastructure growth in Bilaspur.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s broader agricultural and economic vision, noting that the current budget allocates over ₹13,000 crore for the sector. He mentioned that Chhattisgarh offers the highest procurement prices for paddy in the country and continues to provide agricultural loans at 0% interest. Furthermore, an agreement with the National Dairy Development Board has been signed to boost animal husbandry, paving the way for a “new dairy revolution” in the state.
During the event, CM Sai interacted virtually with beneficiaries across the state. Basanti Kashyap from Jagdalpur shared that she received ₹36,000, while Sukhan Sai, a Pahadi Korwa beneficiary from Korba, received ₹53,000 which he plans to use for house construction. Farmer Samarth Singh from Janjgir district also thanked the Chief Minister for receiving ₹1.41 lakh in timely support.
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam described the transfer as a historic step and encouraged farmers to adopt crop diversification, specifically pulses and oilseeds, for higher returns. Bilha MLA Dharamlal Kaushik also welcomed the move, noting that over ₹1.50 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers’ accounts over the past three years.
The Chief Minister concluded the event by announcing several local upgrades, including the conversion of the Primary Health Centre at Chakrabhata into a Community Health Centre and the upgradation of Mangla Middle School into a High School. He also sanctioned ₹50 lakh each for the construction of community halls for the Satnami and tribal communities in the region.