Chhattisgarh’s rice requires value addition and branding to reach global markets: Union Minister Piyush Goyal
Raipur, January 11
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the India International Rice Summit 2025 held at a private hotel in Raipur. Union Minister of Food and Commerce, Shri Piyush Goyal, joined the event virtually.
Addressing the event, Union Minister Shri Goyal said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central government has enhanced the dignity and honor of farmers. Significant decisions are being made to double farmers’ incomes. He emphasized the need for value addition and branding of Chhattisgarh’s rice to make it available in global markets, which would benefit both farmers and traders. Shri Goyal urged farmers to adopt advanced agricultural techniques and cultivate crops that require less water.
The Union Minister further stated that the central and state governments are working together for the betterment of farmers and the development of Chhattisgarh. He congratulated the Chhattisgarh Rice Millers Promoters for organizing the India International Rice Summit and highlighted the central government’s focus on producing fortified rice to ensure better prices for farmers. This summit, he noted, will be a milestone for the prosperity of both farmers and the state.
In his address, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai remarked that today marks the anniversary of Lord Ram’s consecration at the Ayodhya temple. He noted the pride Chhattisgarh holds as the maternal home of Lord Ram and extended greetings to the people of the state and country.
The Chief Minister expressed pride in Chhattisgarh being known as the “Rice Bowl of India” and emphasized the importance of elevating this identity to the international stage. He pointed out that Chhattisgarh has a diverse range of rice varieties unmatched elsewhere.
As the son of a farmer, the Chief Minister shared his personal experience of farming and highlighted the fragrant rice varieties traditionally grown in Chhattisgarh. He stressed the need to bring these unique varieties into the limelight.
He also stated that the government is providing farmers with the highest price for paddy, resulting in an increase in both cultivated land and the number of farmers. Currently, over 27 lakh farmers are registered in the state compared to 24 lakh previously. Shri Sai urged exporters to promote the export of Chhattisgarh’s rice varieties to benefit the state’s farmers.
Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam noted that under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Sai, the state government has made significant strides in improving farmers’ welfare. He announced the complete abolition of mandi tax to encourage rice exports and stated efforts to establish Chhattisgarh as an open market for farmers. He also appealed to rice mill promoters to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce.
The summit saw the participation of dignitaries such as Shri Girish Chandel, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University; Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA; Shri Alok Bisaria; Shri Mukesh Jain, President of the Chhattisgarh Rice Millers Promoters Association; and other prominent stakeholders and rice millers from across the country.