Agricultural and rural development works done in collaboration with NABARD in Chhattisgarh are proving to be a milestone

Positive India:Raipur, 11 July 2020

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel held a discussion with the Chairman of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. G.R. Chintala over various activities related to agriculture, rural development and development of infrastructure in Chhattisgarh through video conferencing. Chief Minister said that with the cooperation of NABARD, many development works have been done in Chhattisgarh, in various sectors including agriculture and rural areas, which have proved to be milestones. A lot of work has been done for the development of rural economy of the state through NABARD, a lot still needs to be done. The event was organized on the occasion of Foundation Day on 12 July of NABARD. Chief Minister congratulated the officers and employees including the Chairman of NABARD Shri Chintala on the Foundation Day. Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Shri Ravindra Choubey was present on the occasion. Chairman of NABARD Mr. Chintala and Deputy Managing Director Mr. PVS Surya Kumar joined from Mumbai through video conferencing.

Chief Minister sought cooperation from NABARD for multipurpose Bodhghat Irrigation Project of Bastar Zone and to connect youth of Bastar Zone with employment. The Chief Minister said that the Bodhghat irrigation project will prove to be a lifeline for Bastar, through this project costing about 22 thousand crores, the entire Bastar zone will have irrigation facilities with drinking water and water for disposal. Presently, the percentage of irrigation in Bastar region is 0 to 5 percent. The entire Bastar will be irrigated through this project, which will improve the standard of living of the people there. He said that Naxal problem is a major challenge in Bastar, which is abundant with many natural features. Employing youth of Bastar will help in connecting them with the mainstream.

Mr. Baghel, while giving detailed information about Narva, Garuva, Ghuruwa and Bari scheme under Suraji village scheme, sought cooperation from NABARD for this scheme. He said that the state government has prepared a plan to set up small plants for the processing of small forest produce and forest medicines through the women self-help groups in the Gothans being constructed in the villages. This will provide good employment and income to the women of the group. Discussions are on with big companies for marketing of products manufactured by women. Chief Minister said that one acre of land in Gauthan of every village will be reserved for village industry activities. Through this, there will be an industrial park in every village of Chhattisgarh. In Gauthans, vermi compost from cow dung will also be made by women self-help groups. He urged NABARD to provide financial assistance for this scheme.