Agriculture needs to be emphasized to take Bastar forward in the direction of development – Chief Minister Shri Sai
There are immense possibilities for maize cultivation in Bastar – Chief Minister Shri Sai
Additional provision has been made in the budget for fish farming, goat rearing and pig farming – Chief Minister Shri Sai
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his resolve for the development of Bastar
Chief Minister Shri Sai directed the Collectors and officers to increase productivity in the agriculture sector and encourage the agriculture sector
Raipur April 15, 2025/ A significant discussion on the theme “Towards Developed Bastar” was organized today in Jagdalpur under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. On this occasion, a detailed roadmap for the overall development of the Bastar region was presented by the Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare Department. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, MLA Shri Kiran Singh Dev, Shri Vinayak Goyal, Principal Secretary Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary to Chief Minister Shri Rahul Bhagat, secretaries of concerned departments, Collectors of all districts of Bastar Division including farmers of Bastar Division, dignitaries associated with the agricultural industry were present at the Bastar Ki Ore discussion held in Jagdalpur. On this occasion, farmers, traders, representatives of agricultural institutions expressed their views.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that Bastar has to be included in the mainstream of development. To take Bastar forward in the direction of development, we have to focus more on farming, especially paying attention to the marginal farmers here. Shri Sai said that agriculture is the best option for Bastar, local tribes are associated with it and people will be successful in it if they work according to their interest. We have also made additional provisions in the budget for the development of agriculture.
Chief Minister Shri Sai, emphasizing, said that we have to increase maize cultivation. It is a crop that can be prepared at low cost and gives more profit. The climate of Bastar is very favorable for maize. Along with this, there is a lot of scope for millet production here, we have to work especially on its cultivation.
In his address, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Bastar is not just a geographical area, it is a confluence of culture, tradition, struggle and possibilities. He said that there are immense possibilities of development in the Bastar region, which can be realized with strong policy, transparent administration and public participation. The Chief Minister said that it is the priority of the state government to make Bastar self-reliant and prosperous in every respect.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that Naxalism has been like a stigma for our state, a decisive battle is being fought to eliminate it with the cooperation of the Central Government. He said that it is the resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji that Naxalism should be completely eradicated from the country by March 31, 2026 and Chhattisgarh is playing a leading role in achieving this goal. Chief Minister Shri Sai also said that Naxalism is not only a security challenge, but it is the result of lack of development. Therefore, it is necessary that we connect every village and every person of Bastar with the mainstream of development and provide them with adequate opportunities.
In the discussion, Agricultural Production Commissioner Smt. Shahla Nigar, while presenting the roadmap related to the development of the agricultural sector, said that special emphasis is being given on crop diversification, organic farming, expansion of irrigation facilities, agricultural mechanization, easy availability of crop loans and value addition of agricultural products to strengthen the agriculture-based economy of Bastar. At present, there are 2.98 lakh active farmer families in Bastar division, out of which 2.75 lakh have benefited from Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. An amount of Rs 64.77 crore has been paid as the 19th installment of the scheme. The remaining eligible families are also being verified and added to the scheme. He informed that 7 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, 4 Agricultural Colleges, 2 Horticulture Colleges, 1 Veterinary Polytechnic College and 1 Farmer Training Center are being operated in Bastar. Apart from this, 29 horticulture nurseries, 9 government fisheries farms, one poultry farm and one government piggery center are also functional. KCC coverage has currently reached 86 percent and the target is to issue 1.25 lakh new KCCs in the next three years.