Chhattisgarh Foundation Day: A Reality Check On Agriculture, Tribal Welfare & Infrastructure

Chhattisgarh marks 26 years of statehood on November 1, with celebrations, cultural programmes and government exhibitions showcasing the state’s achievements.

However, Dr Rajaram Tripathi, an agriculture and rural economy expert, argues that the occasion should also prompt an honest assessment of challenges facing farmers, tribal communities and ordinary citizens.

Agriculture remains central to the state’s economy, with nearly 70 per cent of its population dependent on farming. Paddy accounts for around 77.5 per cent of the total cropped area.

Tripathi said delayed monsoon rains, heavy rainfall in September and unseasonal showers linked to Cyclone Arnab in October had severely damaged standing and harvested paddy crops.

Waterlogging and strong winds flattened fields, raising concerns over grain quality, crop germination and storage. He said farmers needed immediate crop assessments, transparent compensation and insurance support rather than celebrations and speeches.

Tripathi questioned whether Bastar’s growing peace would benefit tribal communities or mainly ease mineral extraction by large companies. He also flagged concerns over the utilisation and transparency of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds.

He cited poor connectivity, delayed railway expansion towards Jagdalpur, inadequate air services and the poor condition of National Highway 30. He also highlighted the lack of markets and processing facilities for local herbal produce.

Tripathi further raised concerns over land records, mutation delays, documentation costs and corruption. While acknowledging schemes such as Mahtari Vandan, he said welfare numbers alone cannot guarantee better health, education and employment.

He also criticised the lack of recognition for local artists and questioned state award selections.

Tripathi said Rajyotsava must become an occasion for accountability, with progress measured through farmers’ welfare, tribal rights, better infrastructure and corruption-free public services rather than publicity and official figures.

(The author, Dr Rajaram Tripathi, is a progressive farmer, agricultural entrepreneur and herbal farming expert from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.)