- There is a huge demand for aromatic rice in the international market.
- Agriculture Minister Shri Ram Vichhar Netam chaired a meeting with the officials of the Indian Rice Export Federation, and agreed on a pilot project.
With the aim of increasing farmers’ income and promoting diversification in the agricultural sector in Chhattisgarh, the state government has initiated an initiative to expand Basmati rice cultivation. A high-level meeting on this subject was held at his residence in Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur, chaired by Agriculture Development Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam. Present at the meeting were Agriculture Production Commissioner Shri Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi, Agriculture Director Rahul Dev, Research Director Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, scientists from the Seed Corporation and Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, and officials from the Indian Rice Exporters Federation.
Agriculture Minister Shri Netam stated that the state government will promote Basmati rice cultivation with the goal of doubling farmers’ income. He directed officials to work diligently and promptly in this direction. Shri Netam stated that farmers’ interests are paramount, and the government will prioritize any necessary steps to increase their income. Crop diversification from conventional rice cultivation and the potential for increasing Basmati acreage in the state were discussed in detail.
At the meeting, Agriculture Production Commissioner Mr. Pardeshi stated that an agreement had been reached to promote Basmati rice cultivation as a pilot project in Chhattisgarh. He stated that the state produces a wide variety of rice, but Basmati and other aromatic rice varieties are in particular demand in the international and European markets and command better prices. He stated that areas of the state will be identified where the climate and temperature are conducive to Basmati rice production. A plan will be developed to increase the area under Basmati rice cultivation in selected areas to maximize profits for farmers.
Officials from the Indian Rice Exporters Federation assured all possible support for increasing Basmati rice production and acreage in the state. The Federation expressed its commitment to providing buyback arrangements, marketing support, and promoting the export of aromatic rice to international markets.
It was also agreed in the meeting that a coordinated system will be developed from production to marketing and export, so that farmers can get better prices for their produce and Chhattisgarh can create a new identity in the field of aromatic rice production.