TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 13, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai announced that an international cargo facility will soon be operational at Raipur Airport, offering Chhattisgarh’s farmers a gateway to global markets. He made the announcement during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Presidents of Chhattisgarh State Seed and Agriculture Development Corporation Limited and Chhattisgarh State Farmers Welfare Council, held in Sector-24, Nava Raipur.
The Chief Minister congratulated Shri Chandrahas Chandrakar and Shri Suresh Kumar Chandravanshi on taking charge of their respective roles and emphasized the importance of these institutions in advancing the state’s agrarian economy. “Chhattisgarh is an agriculture-driven state. The Seed Corporation and Farmers Welfare Council are crucial in ensuring timely supply of quality seeds and in addressing farmers’ needs,” he said.
Both appointees, being farmers themselves, understand the ground realities and will work towards effective solutions, Shri Sai noted.
New Cargo Facility to Boost Agri-Exports
The Chief Minister underscored the significance of the upcoming international cargo facility, stating that it will help farmers export their produce, including millets, maize, and organic crops, to overseas markets—potentially increasing income and reducing dependency on traditional crop cycles. He also urged farmers to consider crop diversification and water-efficient practices.
Revival of Solar Sujala Yojana and Expanded Housing Eligibility
Highlighting ongoing farmer-focused reforms, the Chief Minister announced the revival of the Solar Sujala Yojana, under which subsidized solar-powered irrigation pumps will be made available to farmers. He also encouraged diversification through horticulture, fisheries, and animal husbandry to boost rural incomes.
On the housing front, Shri Sai detailed updates to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana under the Awas Plus-Plus survey. The eligibility criteria have been relaxed to include households with up to five acres of non-irrigated land, motorcycles, and a monthly income of Rs. 15,000.
He criticized the previous government for allegedly denying 18 lakh poor families their rightful homes under the central scheme. “Our government approved 18 lakh houses within two days of taking office. We’ve already received funding for 14 lakh homes, and Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will soon release funds for an additional 3.5 lakh houses,” he said.
Leaders Reinforce Commitment to Agricultural Innovation
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao praised the appointments of Chandrakar and Chandravanshi, calling them grassroots leaders equipped to spearhead innovation in the state’s agriculture landscape.
Cabinet Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, addressing the gathering on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, invoked the deity’s virtues of strength and service while affirming the government’s dedication to farmers’ welfare. He highlighted the government’s efforts, such as paddy procurement at Rs. 3,100 per quintal and improved forest produce collection, that have contributed to increased crop diversification in the state.
The event saw the participation of senior political figures including MPs Shri Brijmohan Agarwal, Shri Santosh Pandey, and Smt. Roopkumari Chaudhary, MLAs, divisional chairpersons, senior officials from the agriculture sector, and a large number of farmers from across the state.
