Chhattisgarh’s Krishak Unnati Yojna for Paddy Cultivators Launched by CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Current Context: Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister, Vishnu Deo Sai, recently launched the 'Krishak Unnati Yojna’ on 12th March 2024.

• This scheme is designed to provide input assistance to farmers, primarily paddy cultivators.
• Under this initiative, the difference between the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Rs 3100 per quintal from the price of paddy is being provided to farmers.
• In the recently concluded paddy procurement for the Kharif season, which took place between November 1 and February 4, around 145 lakh metric tonnes of paddy was procured from more than 24 lakh farmers at the MSP.
• The MSP for common grade paddy was Rs 2,183 per quintal, and Rs 2,203 for Grade A paddy.
• The difference amount over the MSP was given to farmers as input assistance at Rs 917 per quintal paddy under the Krishak Unnati Yojana.
• The Chhattisgarh government has transferred a sum of Rs 13,320 crore to farmers' bank accounts, benefitting over 24.75 lakh farmers.
• More than 24.72 lakh farmers who sold paddy this year will receive a difference amount of Rs 13,289 crore.
• Additionally, over 2,829 paddy seed producers will also receive a difference amount of over Rs 31 crore through the Seed Corporation.

Question:

Q.1 What is the primary purpose of the 'Krishak Unnati Yojna’?
a. To provide free seeds to farmers
b. To provide free electricity to farmers
c. To provide input assistance to farmers
d. To provide free water to farmers