Chhattisgarh Cabinet Approves Major Pre-Holi Payout to Paddy Farmers
In a significant move to support agricultural communities, the Chhattisgarh cabinet announced on Wednesday a substantial one-time disbursal of approximately Rs 10,000 crore under the state's Krishak Unnati Yojana. This decision, aimed at providing financial relief ahead of the Holi festival, was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the Secretariat in Raipur.
Details of the Payout Scheme
The cabinet has decided that farmers who sold paddy to the state at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) will receive a difference amount to elevate the effective rate to Rs 3,100 per quintal. This payment is set to be made in a single instalment before Holi, ensuring timely support for the farming community.
According to an official statement, during the Kharif marketing year 2025–26, the state procured a total of 141.04 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 25,24,339 farmers. The government emphasized that the nearly Rs 10,000 crore disbursal represents the differential amount under the Krishak Unnati Yojana, highlighting its commitment to enhancing farmer welfare.
State's Procurement and Historical Context
The government also highlighted that Chhattisgarh is currently purchasing up to 21 quintals of paddy per acre at the Rs 3,100-per-quintal rate, which it claims is the highest in the country. This initiative underscores the state's proactive approach to agricultural support.
Over the past two years, more than Rs 25,000 crore has already been paid to farmers as the price-difference component under this scheme. With the pre-Holi disbursal this year, the cumulative payout is expected to reach approximately Rs 35,000 crore, demonstrating a sustained effort to bolster the agricultural sector and improve farmer incomes.
