Tag: rural economy

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) established at Jamgaon M in Durg district is emerging as a key driver of rural economic growth by generating employment through forest produce processing, herbal product manufacturing and value addition under the ‘Chhattisgarh Herbal’ brand.

The Saur Sujala Yojana is transforming agriculture in Rajnandgaon by providing solar irrigation pumps that enhance productivity, conserve groundwater, cut energy costs, and strengthen the rural economy.

A long‐standing informal “middlemen system” in Rajnandgaon’s agricultural mandis has come under unprecedented pressure as the district administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal paddy trade, fake procurement slips, and cross-border smuggling. The ongoing operations have shaken the entire unregulated network of agents, small traders, and farmers.

With procurement at ₹3100 per quintal and improved facilities at procurement centres, farmers in Rajnandgaon express satisfaction. Many are using the proceeds to upgrade homes, expand farming, and invest in irrigation.

Rajnandgaon farmer Suresh Sinha has reaped a ₹2.35 lakh profit from tomato farming under a government-subsidized polyhouse, proving that horticulture can yield up to four times more income than traditional paddy. Supported by the National Horticulture Mission, Sinha’s success reflects the growing shift among Chhattisgarh farmers toward modern, high-yield vegetable cultivation.

Speaker Dr. Raman Singh inaugurated the ₹1.33 crore BT road project at Rajnandgaon’s Adarsh Krishi Upaj Mandi, calling the market yard the “capital of Rajnandgaon’s development.” He highlighted the Mandi’s vital role in state-level paddy procurement and urged officials to ensure timely and quality construction for the benefit of farmers and traders.

In a major relief for the traditional Poha industry of Chhattisgarh, the state government has reduced the mandi fee on paddy used for Poha production to 1% and granted a full exemption from the farmer welfare charge. The move, which became effective on November 6, 2025, follows continuous efforts by former Chief Minister and Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, whose intervention has been widely credited for this policy decision. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and local producers felicitated Dr. Singh in Rajnandgaon for his support.

As part of the Chhattisgarh Silver Jubilee Festival, women Self-Help Groups under the Bihan Mission showcased a wide range of locally made products at a sales-cum-exhibition in Rajnandgaon. The event recorded sales of ₹88,200, reflecting the success of women’s entrepreneurship and rural development initiatives in the state.

Madhya Pradesh’s MSME sector is facing a steep slump with a 22% fall in registrations and 15% rise in closures, particularly in textile and leather clusters. The state’s new MSME Development Policy 2025, featuring subsidies, single-window clearances, and a ₹10,000 crore fund, aims to revive growth and safeguard 2 million jobs.