Chhattisgarh CM Announces Loan Waiver, Increased Paddy Procurement

In a bid to assist farmers, the state government is buying paddy at a rate of Rs 2,500 per quintal under the input subsidy scheme. They are encouraging rural livelihoods by purchasing cow dung from farmers at Rs 2 per kg through the 'Gauthan Yojana.'

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has announced in his strategic move to win elections,said that his party will waive farmers' crop loans if they secure victory. This initiative, previously implemented by the Congress government, incurred a significant cost of Rs 7,200 crore.

Mr. Baghel has also pledged to increase paddy procurement by purchasing 20 quintals per acre from farmers, an increase from the current procurement of 16 quintals per acre. This move is aimed at strengthening support from the agricultural community, a pivotal voter base comprising 36 lakh families in Chhattisgarh.

In addition to the farm loan waiver and increased paddy procurement, Mr. Baghel has also promised to construct 17.5 lakh houses for the homeless. The Congress government has been leaning heavily on its diverse array of welfare schemes, designed to benefit farmers and enhance their quality of life. Among these initiatives is the Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Yojana, which guarantees farmers a fixed income.

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The government is also procuring paddy from farmers at a rate of Rs 2,500 per quintal under the state's input subsidy scheme. Additionally, in an innovative step, cow dung is being purchased from farmers at Rs 2 per kilogram through the 'Gauthan Yojana,' adding another layer of support to rural livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the state BJP president, Arun Sao has raised concerns about alleged corruption within the welfare schemes initiated by the Bhupesh Baghel government, particularly in the collection of soil under the pretext of cow dung utilization.

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Sao has further alleged that approximately 1,000 farmers resorted to suicide during Baghel's tenure due to their inability to repay crop loans.

The upcoming assembly elections in Chhattisgarh are expected to be a close battle, with the agricultural sector playing a pivotal role in determining the outcome. The promises made by both the Congress and BJP governments, as well as the allegations of corruption and farmer suicides, will likely shape the political landscape and influence the voting decisions of Chhattisgarh's farming community.

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