Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam congratulate the district on the achievement
Agriculture Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi’s administrative leadership, interdepartmental coordination and focus on innovation contribute to national recognition
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented the award, jointly received by Dantewada Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv and Deputy Director of Agriculture Suraj Kumar Pansari
Raipur. Chhattisgarh has earned national recognition for its efforts to advance agricultural development, farmers’ welfare and rural prosperity, with Dantewada district in South Bastar receiving the prestigious ‘Best District’ award for the effective implementation of the Government of India’s Pradhan Mantri Krishi Dhan-Dhaanya Yojana. The recognition reflects the state’s farmer-centric policies, agricultural innovations, administrative leadership and effective delivery of government schemes at the grassroots level.
The award was presented by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the National Agriculture Conference and Award Ceremony in New Delhi. Collector Shri Devesh Kumar Dhruv and Deputy Director of Agriculture Suraj Kumar Pansari jointly received the honour on behalf of the district.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated Dantewada’s farmers, the district administration and the officers and employees of the Agriculture Department on the achievement. He said the award recognises the hard work of Chhattisgarh’s farmers, the government’s commitment to their welfare and the dedication of the administration.
The Chief Minister said the state government continues to work towards making agriculture modern, profitable and a driver of prosperity, in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. He added that this achievement in a predominantly tribal region such as Bastar is a matter of pride for the entire state.
Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam also congratulated the farmers and the entire Agriculture Department team on the national recognition. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government remains committed to increasing farmers’ incomes and agricultural productivity, expanding the adoption of advanced farming technologies and equipping traditional agriculture with modern resources.
He said Dantewada’s achievement demonstrates how planned interventions, coordination among departments and active farmer participation can open new avenues for agricultural development, including in remote forested and tribal regions.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Production Commissioner and Secretary Siddharth Komal Pardeshi has played an important role in strengthening the implementation, regular review and interdepartmental coordination of agricultural schemes across the state through effective administrative leadership. Under his guidance, the Agriculture Department is focusing on measurable outcomes, promoting innovation and ensuring that scheme benefits reach farmers in the most remote areas. Dantewada’s recognition reflects the contribution of administrative guidance at the state level and effective implementation at the district level.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Dhan-Dhaanya Yojana, special efforts are being made in Dantewada to extend the benefits of agricultural schemes to small and marginal farmers in remote forest villages. These efforts include integrating modern technologies with traditional farming practices, improving soil health management, promoting organic and natural farming, and ensuring the availability of agricultural inputs.
Under the district administration’s guidance, the Agriculture, Horticulture, Panchayat and Rural Development departments and other departments are working in coordination to strengthen agricultural development. Cluster-based activities are also being promoted. Initiatives to improve the value of agricultural produce, encourage processing and strengthen market linkages are further supporting farmers’ economic empowerment.
Following the announcement of the national award, Collector Shri Devesh Kumar Dhruv credited the achievement to the hard work of the district’s farmers, the field staff of the Agriculture Department and the coordinated efforts of various departments. He said the district administration remains committed to promoting modern agricultural technologies and natural farming, while continuing to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods.
Dantewada’s national recognition is a proud achievement for the Bastar region and the entire state of Chhattisgarh. It also offers encouragement to other districts and highlights the state’s continued commitment to agricultural development, farmer empowerment and a self-reliant rural economy.
