Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao praises women’s self-help groups for promoting organic farming, rural entrepreneurship, and local agricultural heritage through the production and marketing of traditional Vishnubhog rice.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 22, 2026: Organic Vishnubhog rice cultivated by women’s self-help groups in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district is gaining recognition beyond its place of origin, with the traditional variety now emerging as a symbol of rural entrepreneurship and women-led economic empowerment in Chhattisgarh.
The district’s signature organic rice was presented to Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao by District Panchayat Vice-President Raja Upendra Bahadur Singh during a meeting in Raipur. The rice has been produced through organic farming practices by members of the Arpa Bihan Women’s Self-Help Group as part of livelihood promotion initiatives under the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
During the interaction, Singh briefed the Deputy Chief Minister on the various income-generating activities being undertaken by women’s self-help groups in the district. He said the cultivation, processing, and marketing of organic Vishnubhog rice is aimed at preserving traditional agricultural practices while creating sustainable employment opportunities for rural women.
According to officials, the initiative has enabled participating women to increase their incomes while also promoting locally grown products through improved packaging, branding, and marketing strategies. The emphasis on organic production and quality has contributed to growing demand for the rice in wider markets.
Appreciating the efforts of the women’s groups, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said such initiatives represent inspiring examples of self-reliance and economic empowerment. He noted that locally produced agricultural products are strengthening the rural economy while showcasing Chhattisgarh’s unique farming traditions at broader platforms.
Sao also commended the district administration and self-help groups for encouraging innovation in rural livelihoods and expressed confidence that similar initiatives would generate additional employment, improve the economic status of women, and expand market opportunities for traditional products.
Officials said the organic Vishnubhog rice project has evolved into a successful model of women-led entrepreneurship by combining sustainable agriculture with value addition and market outreach. Beyond enhancing livelihoods, the initiative is also helping preserve the region’s distinctive agricultural heritage and strengthening the identity of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi as a centre for quality organic produce.
