Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised the Government’s commitment to the well-being and prosperity of farmers during his address at the ‘Hareli Tihar’ programme, held at his residence in Raipur. Chief Minister highlighted that 80 per cent of Chhattisgarh’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood and affirmed that the Government is dedicated to their welfare. He acknowledged the efforts of Bharat Ratna former Prime Minister Late Atal Behari Vajpayee and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in making significant decisions to support farmers.
During the event, Chief Minister Sai extended his greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of Hareli festival. He praised the 15-year tenure of the previous government under Dr Raman Singh, noting the introduction of zero-per cent interest agricultural loans and the purchase of 21 quintals of paddy per acre from farmers. He also mentioned that Chhattisgarh farmers receive Rs 3,100 per quintal for their produce, the highest rate in the country. The Hareli festival celebration at the Chief Minister’s residence featured a vibrant display of Chhattisgarhi folk culture. The venue was adorned to reflect a rural environment. Chief Minister Sai, along with his wife Kaushalya Devi Sai, performed traditional Gauri-Ganesh Puja and anointed Lord Shiva, praying for the prosperity and well-being of the State’s people. He also conducted rituals for agricultural tools such as the plough, Rapa and hoe. An exhibition of advanced agricultural equipment was organised by the Agriculture Department, and Chief Minister Sai handed over keys of tractors, harvesters, and other subsidised agricultural equipment to 23 farmers.
The event saw addresses from various dignitaries, including Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, and Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam. Dr Raman Singh lauded Chief Minister Sai’s dedication to the State’s welfare and noted the positive impact of his leadership, evidenced by favorable rainfall and significant strides in farmers’ welfare. The celebration featured traditional Chhattisgarhi music, folk dances such as Gadwa Baja, Raut Nacha, Gedi dance, and Rahchuli, along with an array of Chhattisgarhi dishes like Thethri, Khurmi, Pidia, Anarsa, Khaja, Curry Laddu, Muthiya, Dumpling Bhajiya, Cheela-Fara, and Bara. Folk artists performed dances like Raut Nacha, Karma dance, Bastariya dance, and Gedi Chadkar dance. At the request of the Raut Nacha artists, the Chief Minister donned traditional Chhattisgarhi attire and participated in the festivities, encouraging the artists. The event was attended by numerous public representatives and dignitaries, including Minister Tank Ram Verma, MLA Lata Usendi, Moti Lal Sahu, Anuj Sharma, Sampat Agarwal, Gajendra Yadav, and Khuswant Saheb.
