Kumar Bahukhandi
In Short
- Chief Minister Inaugurates Two-Day State-Level Oilseed Farmers’ Fair
- Special Emphasis Placed on Adopting Modern Agricultural Techniques and Measures to Boost Oilseed Production
- Chief Minister Plants a Sal Sapling Under the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” Campaign
- Farmers Benefiting from Efforts Aimed at Promoting Pulse and Oilseed Production
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today on Sunday March 21, 2026 inaugurated a two-day state-level Oilseed Farmers’ Fair at the Rajmohini Devi College of Agriculture and Research Centre, located in Ambikapur, Surguja district.
On this occasion, he inspected the stalls set up by various departments and lauded the modern agricultural techniques and measures for boosting oilseed production being offered to the farmers. Marking the occasion of World Forestry Day, the Chief Minister planted a Sal sapling within the college campus under the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign and appealed for extensive tree-planting to promote environmental conservation.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that India is an agrarian nation, and Chhattisgarh is known as the “Rice Bowl,” where approximately 80 percent of the population depends on agriculture. He informed that the state government is procuring paddy from farmers at a rate of 21 quintals per acre at a price of ₹3,100, and the differential amount is also being disbursed as a lump sum payment.
CM Sai affirmed that, over the past two years, his government has been fulfilling every single promise made to the farmers. Interacting with the farmers, he also sought feedback regarding the receipt of the differential paddy payment prior to the Holi festival, as well as the benefits they were receiving from various government schemes.
Chief Minister planting a Sal sapling within the college campus under the “One Tree in Mother’s Name” campaign and appealed for extensive tree-planting to promote environmental conservation-Photo Credit -CG/PR
The Chief Minister noted that while the country has achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production, there remains a deficit in oilseed production. Currently, the country is able to produce only about 57 percent of its total oilseed requirement, necessitating the import of the remaining 43 percent. To bridge this gap, various oilseed development projects are currently being implemented.
He appealed to the farmers to adopt the recommendations provided by agricultural scientists in order to enhance oilseed production. He informed that, modeled after the Krishak Unnati Yojana (Farmers’ Progress Scheme), provisions have been made to provide an incentive of ₹11,000 per acre for oilseed crops. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of boosting income by adopting allied activities such as animal husbandry, dairy farming, and fisheries. He noted that following reforms in the GST regime, the prices of agricultural machinery have declined, thereby benefiting farmers, the CM added.
Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to action, Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Netam stated that it is imperative to make the nation self-reliant in the edible oil sector. He urged farmers to prioritise increasing the production of pulses and oilseed crops.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Girish Chandel, Vice-Chancellor of the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, provided details regarding the Oilseed Development Program, explaining that high-quality seeds are being made available to farmers through the university.
Through the 28 agricultural colleges, 27 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agricultural Science Centers), and various research institutes operating within the state, approximately 50,000 farmers receive training annually.
Present on this occasion were Minister Lakshmi Rajwade, MP Chintamani Maharaj, MLA Prabodh Minj, MLA Ramkumar Toppo, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission Vishwa Vijay Singh Tomar, Mayor Manjusha Bhagat, Chairman of the District Cooperative Bank Ram Kishun Singh, Presiding Officer Harvinder Singh, Ram Lakhan Painkra, Divisional Commissioner Narendra Kumar Dugga, as well as other public representatives and government officials.
