Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 22 (HBTV): Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai conducted a comprehensive review of the Panchayat, Rural Development, and Agriculture departments' work at the Secretariat (Mahanadi Bhawan) in Raipur.

The review meeting focused on the effective implementation of state and central government schemes and discussed strategies for future development, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan commended the Chhattisgarh government’s efforts in agriculture and rural development, describing the state’s administrative approach as exemplary. He stated that achieving the vision of a developed India requires empowered villages and prosperous farmers.

While reviewing the Panchayat and Rural Development department's initiatives, Chouhan emphasised linking the Amrit Sarovar scheme to local livelihoods to generate employment and promote water conservation. He assured the state government that their request to revise the labour budget under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) would be considered.

Chouhan also reviewed progress under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and urged for the timely completion of approved housing units along with the physical verification of new surveys.

He expressed satisfaction with the work being done under the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana and the Niyad Nelanar scheme in Naxal-affected areas, noting that these initiatives are advancing development in remote and challenging regions of the state.

The Union Minister also praised the Atal Digital Suvidha Kendras launched in gram panchayats, calling them a revolutionary step towards digital empowerment of rural areas. He recommended that this initiative be studied and replicated in other states.

Regarding the agriculture sector, Chouhan said that increasing farmers' incomes requires efforts beyond traditional farming, encouraging progress in allied sectors such as animal husbandry, horticulture, and fisheries. He highlighted the importance of adopting scientific farming techniques, high-quality seeds, organic farming, and crop rotation.

He also announced the upcoming launch of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan by the Central Government, under which teams of scientists will visit various districts in Chhattisgarh to train farmers in scientific farming practices. He urged the state government to actively participate in the initiative.

Concluding the meeting, Chouhan expressed confidence that joint efforts by the Central and State Governments would elevate Chhattisgarh's progress in agriculture and rural development through innovation and dedication.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the Chhattisgarh government considers agriculture and rural development the backbone of the state’s economy. He stressed the shared responsibility of bringing development to remote and underserved areas with the Centre’s support. Sai added that true good governance lies in building a self-reliant rural economy, extending digital services to the grassroots, and providing skill-based employment for youth. He emphasised that the goal is to bring meaningful change to people's lives, not merely record numbers on paper.

(ANI)