TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 20, 2024: In a landmark decision aimed at empowering farmers and boosting the agro-industry, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has announced a full exemption on mandi fees and farming welfare fees for pulses, oilseeds, and wheat. The waiver will be effective from March 13, 2024, to March 31, 2026, benefiting farmers, traders, and operators of flour mills across the state.
The Chhattisgarh Chamber of Commerce and Industry lauded the announcement, calling it a “game-changer” for the state’s agricultural and business sectors. The exemption applies to these commodities brought into the state for processing, reducing costs for traders and ensuring better prices for farmers. A notification to formalize the decision was issued on December 17, 2024.
Chamber President Amar Parwani described the decision as a step that would strengthen Chhattisgarh’s economy and make its traders more competitive with neighboring states. “This initiative will promote trade, protect farmers’ interests, and drive the state’s overall economic growth,” he said.
Farmers, industry leaders, and the public expressed their gratitude by visiting the Chief Minister’s residence, applauding the government’s commitment to agricultural welfare.
Chief Minister Sai highlighted the broader impact of the policy, stating, “Despite financial constraints, the government prioritized this decision to safeguard the livelihoods of over 30,000 families and to make essential goods like dal, oil, and flour more affordable for the people.” He added that the measure would help local mills compete with other states, reduce costs for consumers, and create opportunities for reinvestment in quality of life improvements.
The state currently relies on imports to meet its demand for pulses, oilseeds, and wheat. The fee exemption is expected to ease this dependency by boosting local processing, stimulating economic activity, and encouraging employment generation.
Prominent industry leaders, including Amit Chimani, Sanjeet Goyal, Shyam Sundar Goyal, Harimal Sachdev, and Ramesh Aggarwal, praised the move, emphasizing its potential to transform Chhattisgarh’s agricultural and industrial landscape.
