Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday inaugurated ₹2,225 crore worth of rural road projects and announced the expansion of the National Makhana Development Board to include Chhattisgarh. He also highlighted the nationwide release of the 21st PM-Kisan installment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which transferred ₹500 crore to 25 lakh farmers in the State from Coimbatore.
At a ceremony in Dhamtari, attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and other leaders, Chouhan handed over approvals for road projects that will connect 780 villages through 2,500 km of new all-weather roads. He said the initiatives will boost rural connectivity and economic growth.
Chouhan praised anti-Naxal efforts and recent development progress in the State, stating that transparent governance is now ensuring benefits reach farmers directly. An exhibition on agriculture, rural infrastructure, and self-help groups was also organised.
Chief Minister Sai noted that 24.7 lakh farmers in Chhattisgarh received nearly ₹494 crore under PM-Kisan today, with 2.75 lakh new farmers added to the scheme. He said the State is leading in paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal, with a record 149 lakh MT purchased this year.
He also announced the expansion of Krishak Unnati Yojana to include pulses, oilseeds, and maize; highlighted progress under the Millet Mission; and confirmed approvals of ₹2,800 crore for 115 long-pending irrigation projects.
The event concluded with a commitment to advancing rural and agricultural development across Chhattisgarh.