Team News Riveting
Raipur, January 10
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday announced a major relief for rice exporters by extending the waiver on Mandi fee for another year.
The decision was conveyed at the India International Rice Summit held at a private resort in Raipur.
Calling the move a significant boost for both exporters and farmers, the Chief Minister said the extension addresses a long-pending demand of the rice export sector.
On the occasion, he also inaugurated the regional office of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, APEDA.
Speaking at the summit, Shri Sai said demand for organic products is rising steadily in domestic as well as international markets. He noted that organic rice cultivation has already begun in Dantewada and stressed the need to further encourage and expand such initiatives across the State.
Boost to Rice Exports from Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister said the second edition of the India International Rice Summit holds particular significance, as it has brought together buyers from 12 countries and embassy delegations from six nations. The presence of international stakeholders would help Chhattisgarh gain wider global recognition in the rice trade. Welcoming the foreign delegates, he added that their participation reflects growing international interest in the State’s rice sector.
Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh was rightly described as the “rice bowl” of India by earlier generations and the state continues to live up to that identity, with rice forming an integral part of its food culture. He highlighted the wide range of paddy varieties cultivated across the state and made special mention of the aromatic Jeeraphool and Dubraj rice from the Surguja region, known for their distinctive fragrance.
He said the Mandi fee exemption, which exporters had been seeking for several years, was also provided last year and was due to expire in December 2025. Its extension, he added, would further strengthen rice exports from Chhattisgarh.
Nearly One Lakh Tonnes of Rice Being Exported to Over 90 Countries
Shri Sai said the State’s new industrial policy places strong emphasis on promoting small-scale industries, which will strengthen rice processing and exports. At present, Chhattisgarh exports nearly one lakh tonnes of rice to around 90 countries. He reiterated that the State government remains fully supportive of exporters.
Sharing details of paddy procurement, Chief Minister said farmers are being paid ₹3,100 per quintal, with procurement capped at 21 quintals per acre. He said 149 lakh metric tonnes of paddy was procured last year, and procurement is expected to rise further this year. He also outlined various Central and State government schemes being implemented for farmers’ welfare.
Chief Minister Visits Rice Exhibition
During the summit, the Chief Minister visited the rice-focused exhibition and reviewed displays showcasing different rice varieties, region-specific strains, innovations in rice cultivation and the use of modern technology to improve productivity. He also inspected government stalls and appreciated initiatives aimed at strengthening rice production and marketing.
Shri Sai said such innovations would help increase yields, provide direct benefits to farmers and contribute to strengthening the State’s economy.
Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Subodh Kumar Singh, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, Chhattisgarh Rice Millers Association President Kantilal, Ram Garg, along with millers, rice traders and stakeholders from across the country, were present at the event.
