Discussion on ‘Towards a Developed Bastar’: Immense Possibilities for Maize Cultivation in Bastar – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur
A significant discussion on the theme “Towards a Developed Bastar” was organized today in Jagdalpur under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. On this occasion, the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare presented a detailed roadmap for the holistic development of the Bastar region. The discussion in Jagdalpur was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, MP Mahesh Kashyap, MLAs Kiran Singh Deo and Vinayak Goyal, Principal Secretary Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat, secretaries of related departments, collectors of all districts in Bastar division, as well as farmers and notable local figures associated with the agricultural industry. Farmers, traders, and representatives of agriculture-related organizations also shared their views on the occasion.
Chief Minister Sai stated that the goal is to integrate Bastar into the mainstream of development. To move Bastar forward, greater emphasis must be placed on agriculture, particularly on marginal farmers. Sai noted that agriculture is the best option for Bastar, as it is closely tied to local tribal communities, and people working in areas of their interest are more likely to succeed. Additional provisions have been made in the budget for agricultural development.
Emphasizing further, Chief Minister Sai said that maize cultivation needs to be promoted. It is a low-cost, high-profit crop, and Bastar’s climate is highly suitable for it. Additionally, there is significant potential for millet production, which requires special focus.In his address, Chief Minister Sai remarked that Bastar is not merely a geographical region but a confluence of culture, tradition, struggle, and possibilities. He highlighted that Bastar holds immense potential for development, which can be realized through robust policies, transparent administration, and public participation. The Chief Minister stated that the state government’s priority is to make Bastar self-reliant and prosperous in every aspect.Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai noted that Naxalism has been a stain on the state, and with the support of the central government, a decisive battle is being fought to eradicate it. He mentioned that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has resolved to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026, and Chhattisgarh is playing a leading role in achieving this target. Sai added that Naxalism is not just a security challenge but also a consequence of the lack of development. Therefore, it is essential to connect every village and individual in Bastar to the mainstream of development and provide them with adequate opportunities.During the discussion, Agriculture Production Commissioner Shahla Nigar presented a roadmap for agricultural development, stating that to strengthen Bastar’s agriculture-based economy, emphasis is being placed on crop diversification, organic farming, expansion of irrigation facilities, agricultural mechanization, easy access to crop loans, and value addition to agricultural products. Currently, there are 2.98 lakh active farmer families in Bastar division, of which 2.75 lakh have benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. An amount of Rs. 64.77 crore has been disbursed as the 19th installment of the scheme. Verification of remaining eligible families is underway to include them in the scheme. She further informed that Bastar has 7 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, 4 agricultural colleges, 2 horticulture colleges, 1 veterinary polytechnic college, and 1 farmer training center in operation. Additionally, there are 29 horticulture nurseries, 9 government fisheries farms, one poultry farm, and one government pig rearing center functioning. KCC coverage has reached 86 percent, with a target to issue 1.25 lakh new KCCs in the next three years.