- Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam visited the Makhana Centre in Lingadih.A circuit will be formed for the Makhana producing areas of Raipur, Dhamtari, Gariaband and Balod districts.Emphasis on crop rotation, agricultural extension and modern agriculture
Chhattisgarh will become a Makhana hub. Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam today visited the Makhana Center in Lingadih, Arang, Raipur district. He said that there is immense potential for Makhana cultivation in the state including Raipur, Dhamtari, Gariaband and Balod areas. He stressed on developing Makhana producing areas and districts as a circuit. He inquired about the possibilities of expanding Makhana cultivation and said that in the coming time, Chhattisgarh will be developed as a Makhana hub.
During the inspection, officials informed the Minister that approximately 50 to 60 hectares of makhana are being cultivated in the Arang region and surrounding areas, producing grade-6 quality makhana. Due to its strong market demand, farmers’ income is expected to increase significantly.
Minister Netam stated that to promote makhana production, a “makhana circuit” will be developed, connecting Raipur, Dhamtari, Gariaband, and Balod districts. This will create an integrated system for production, processing, storage, and marketing, ensuring farmers receive a better market and fair prices.
During the visit, the Minister inspected the products prepared at the Makhana Center and personally tasted the Makhana, commending its quality. He directed officials to make farmers self-reliant through scientific farming methods, training programs, and modern processing units.
The Minister said that the benefits of the schemes run by the Central Government for agricultural diversification, natural farming, food processing and promotion of millets and traditional crops are being extended to the farmers of Chhattisgarh. To promote Makhana production, technical support, training and marketing assistance will be provided by connecting the farmers of the state with the schemes of the Makhana Board constituted at the national level. He said that with the coordinated efforts of the state and central government, Makhana will become a new option of income for the farmers and Chhattisgarh will be included among the major Makhana producing states of the country.
Agriculture Minister Shri Netam also visited Madhepura and Budhera villages in the Kharora region of Raipur district today. He observed agricultural and related activities and emphasized the need to increase production and farmers’ income through the use of modern technologies. He directed officials to disseminate innovation-based agricultural models to every village.
- Tissue culture lab and seed development centre promote advanced agriculture
The Minister inspected the tissue culture lab and learned about the advanced production processes of banana, teak, bamboo, and other plants. He also praised the quality of animal feed, poultry feed, fish feed, and millet-based products at the Chhattisgarh State Seed Development Corporation’s Common Facility Center. He instructed officials to work toward value addition and national recognition for agriculture-based industries.
- Processing will increase income, high demand in the market
Minister Netam said that processing plays a crucial role in makhana production. Farmers are earning more profits by selling processed makhana instead of raw seeds. One kilogram of seeds produces 200 to 250 grams of pop, which has a market price of 700 to 1000 rupees per kilogram.
- Training, participation of women groups and future plan of action
Minister Shri Netam said that women self-help groups and progressive farmers in the state are being involved in makhana production. Expert training is also being provided. Following the state’s affiliation with the National Makhana Board, initiated by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, new possibilities have emerged in this sector. A 200 million rupee action plan is proposed for 2026-27, which will expand production areas and develop new infrastructure.
On this occasion, Chairman of Seed and Agriculture Development Corporation Mr. Chandrahas Chandrakar, Chairman of District Panchayat Raipur Mr. Naveen Agarwal, District Panchayat Member and Chairman of Agriculture Committee Mr. Saurabh Guru, Chairman of Municipal Corporation Arang Mr. Sandeep Jain, Director of Dauji Makhana Center Lingadih Mr. Gajendra Chandrakar along with Agriculture Department officials Dr. Shankarlal Uike, Mr. Satish Awasthi, Mr. Manoj Paikra, Mr. Kailash Paikra along with development block level officials and public representatives were present.