We will all write a new chapter of development for Bastar: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Farmers, women’s groups, young entrepreneurs, and tribal communities will together make Bastar self-reliant and prosperous
Work begins on a new strategy for the development of agriculture, skill development, tourism, and industry
Raipur, April 15, 2025/ In the special presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, a comprehensive action plan for the overall development of Bastar was presented today at the “Towards Developed Bastar” discussion held in Jagdalpur. In this important meeting, an in-depth and meaningful discussion took place on highlighting the potential of Bastar in sectors such as agriculture, skill development, tourism, and industry, and on setting a new direction for development. After discussions with officials of the concerned departments, local public representatives, and stakeholders, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to take Bastar out of the darkness of Naxalism and towards the light of development. It is worth noting here that Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai is on a two-day visit to Jagdalpur. He attended the Towards Developed Bastar discussion on the first day of his visit.
The Chief Minister said that Bastar has suffered the scourge of Naxalism for decades, but now this region is moving forward on a new path of development with its rich tribal culture, natural beauty, agricultural development, skill upgradation, industry, and mineral resources. He emphasized that the संकल्प “विकसित छत्तीसगढ़ @2047” (Resolution for Developed Chhattisgarh @2047) will be realized through the “Nava Anjor” (New Dawn) vision, and it is starting from Bastar. The farmers, women’s groups, young entrepreneurs, and tribal communities of Bastar are ready to write a new chapter in the progress of Chhattisgarh.
In the first session of the discussion, there was an extensive discussion on agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, animal husbandry, and organic farming to double the income of the farmers of Bastar. The Chief Minister said that processing, branding, and marketing will be promoted to take Bastar’s indigenous and organic products to markets in India and abroad. For this, emphasis was laid on setting up processing units at the local level and ensuring the quality of the products. He said, “Bastar’s products will not only become the identity of Chhattisgarh but will also make their mark globally.”
Kharif crops are cultivated in approximately 900,000 hectares and Rabi crops in nearly 275,000 hectares in the Bastar division. The main Kharif crops are paddy and maize. Maize is cultivated in 185,000 hectares in the Bastar division, which is targeted to be increased to 300,000 hectares in the next three years. Emphasis was laid on creating market linkages between maize-producing farmers and biofuel, biopharmaceutical, starch, and poultry feed industries so that farmers can get the maximum benefit from their produce.
Similarly, there is a focus on increasing millet cultivation from 52,000 hectares to 75,000 hectares in the next three years, setting up a processing unit at the local level, and including millets in the food grains of children in schools, Anganwadis, and hostels. An action plan will be prepared to promote organic farming in Bastar and integrate markets with the participation of private companies, install 27,600 solar pumps for irrigation expansion in three years, and set up solar lift irrigation pumps along rivers and streams. A target has been set to establish 30 to 40 new Custom Hiring Centers every year to promote agricultural mechanization. Currently, 1010 agricultural machinery centers are operating in Bastar. Discussions were held on the establishment of cashew processing in Bastar, pickle, spice and coconut oil processing in Kondagaon, custard apple pulp processing in Kanker, honey and turmeric powder processing in Dantewada, and spice processing in Sukma, Narayanpur, and Bijapur.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai spoke about paying special attention to skill development to make the youth of Bastar self-reliant. During the discussion, it was informed that so far 90,000 youths have been trained and 40,000 youths have been employed under the Chief Minister’s Skill Development Scheme, Prime Minister’s Skill Scheme, and Niyad Nella Nar schemes. In addition, there is a plan to set up 32 new skill development centers and residential training centers in all seven districts in Bastar. Through these centers, local youths will be connected to employment by providing training according to the demands of the market and industries. Special priority will be given to Naxal-affected families, surrendered Naxals, and women in these schemes. An agreement has been signed with Mahindra & Mahindra, Nandi, NSDC, and NITI Aayog for skill training.