PM Modi Releases 21st PM-Kisan Installment; Major Rural Push Unveiled in Chhattisgarh. 

Dhamtari/Raipur:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today released the 21st installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme from Coimbatore, marking another major milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen farmers’ incomes across the country. In Chhattisgarh, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan oversaw the direct transfer of Rs. 500 crore into the bank accounts of 25 lakh farmers during a State-level programme held in Dhamtari.

The event, attended by thousands of farmers and public representatives, also saw the unveiling of rural infrastructure projects, expansion of agricultural schemes, and several announcements intended to transform Chhattisgarh’s rural landscape.

Rs. 2,225 Crore Approved for 2,500 km of Rural Roads

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented approval documents for rural road projects worth Rs. 2,225 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). These projects will connect around 780 villages with all-weather paved roads, adding more than 2,500 kilometres of new rural road infrastructure.

Chouhan said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, rural connectivity has received “unprecedented momentum,” enabling economic activity, market access, and social mobility in remote villages.

Makhana Board Benefits Extended to Chhattisgarh

The Union Minister announced that Chhattisgarh has been included under the National Makhana Development Board. This move will help farmers take advantage of opportunities in makhana production, processing, value addition, and national market access — opening a new chapter for agri-diversification in the State.

“Final Nail Driven into the Coffin of Naxalism”

Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted major national decisions taken in recent years, including the construction of the Shri Ram Temple, the abrogation of Article 370, and the enactment of the Women’s Reservation Act. He also credited coordinated anti-Naxal operations led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for drastically reducing Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh.

“Under PM Modi’s leadership, the final nail has been driven into the coffin of Naxalism,” he said, adding that the State is now entering a phase of peace, investment, and rapid development.

CM Vishnu Deo Sai Announces Expansion of Krishak Unnati Yojana

Speaking at the event, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised that “the honour and prosperity of farmers is the Government’s top priority.”

He announced that the Krishak Unnati Yojana has been expanded to cover pulses, oilseeds, and maize — in addition to paddy. Farmers cultivating on leased, shared, or submerged lands will also be eligible. He added that nearly Rs. 1.25 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers over the past 22 months under various State schemes.

Rs. 494 Crore Transferred to 24.7 Lakh Farmers Under PM-Kisan

CM Sai said that with the release of the 21st PM-Kisan installment by PM Modi, Rs. 494 crore has been credited to 24,70,640 farmers, including eligible forest lease holders and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The State has also added 2,75,000 new farmers to the scheme’s beneficiary list.

Chhattisgarh Emerges as a Leader in Paddy Procurement

The Chief Minister highlighted that the Government is procuring paddy at Rs. 3,100 per quintal and permitting sales of up to 21 quintals per acre. This year, paddy procurement has reached 149 lakh metric tonnes, compared to only 5 lakh metric tonnes during the initial years of State formation.

Focus on Millets, Organic Farming, and Irrigation Expansion

The Chief Minister praised the national Millet Mission for empowering traditional producers of kodo-kutki and ragi. He cited the rising popularity of “JashPure” millet products made by women’s self-help groups, including mahua laddoos and kodo-kutki items.

He also announced:

• Rs. 2,800 crore approved for 115 long-pending irrigation projects, benefitting lakhs of farmers.
• Promotion of organic farming in tribal regions where the use of chemical fertilisers has historically been low.
• A boost in farm mechanisation following GST reduction on tractors and agricultural machinery.

A Defining Moment for Rural Chhattisgarh

The programme featured exhibitions on agricultural technology, rural infrastructure, PMGSY, and women-led initiatives under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Approval letters, agricultural kits, and equipment were distributed to beneficiaries.

Chouhan recalled the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who created the State in 2000, and said that Chhattisgarh is now “firmly on the path to becoming one of India’s leading States.”

The event concluded with expressions of gratitude to farmers and a reaffirmation of the commitment to accelerate rural and agricultural transformation in Chhattisgarh.