Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday visited the development exhibition at the Science College Ground here and appreciated the Chhattisgarh model showcased there.
Rahul Gandhi started his visit to the exhibition by offering prayers to tribal deity Goddess Danteshwari in Bastar Dome.
He visited the stall of Bastar’s ‘Kalagudi’, which has been developed for conservation and promotion of the ancient arts such as ‘dhokra’ (bell metal), wrought iron, ‘tumba’, ‘sheeshal’, wood and bamboo art.
Rahul Gandhi described ‘Kalagudi’ as a significant initiative for the development of Bastar art.
In response to Gandhi’s question, he was told that more than 500 artisans have benefitted through Kalagudi. These families are earning an income of more than Rs 2 lakh.
On the way to the Science College from the airport, Rahul Gandhi was appraised by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel about various public welfare schemes of the Chhattisgarh government.
Rahul Gandhi praised the government’s initiatives of cow dung procurement, electricity production from cow dung and the paddy procurement system of Chhattisgarh.
Gandhi, while touring the stalls at the exhibition, also observed the operation of food processing unit for Kodo, Kutki and Ragi.
Baghel informed him that Millet Mission has been launched in the state to promote the farming of millet crops. Under this mission, Kodo-Kutki and Ragi crops are being procured from the farmers at support price.
Moreover, millet producing farmers are being provided input subsidy of Rs 10,000 per acre under yjr Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, Baghel said.
Millet procured at support price would be utilized under the nutritious meal programme and the midday meal programme conducted in Anganwadis to eradicate malnutrition, he said.
Rahul Gandhi also visited the stall where Girdal Para Hydro Power Based Pumping Scheme Irrigation Project in Sukma district of Bastar division was displayed. Hundreds of farmers are reaping benefit from the project.