Major boost to rice exports Mandi fee exemption extended for one more year

 

 

 

 

IN a major relief to rice exporters, the State Government has extended the mandi fee exemption by another year. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced the decision during the India International Rice Summit held in the capital city on Saturday. The move is expected to significantly boost rice exports from Chhattisgarh while providing indirect benefits to farmers as well. Addressing the summit, the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh has earned the title of the ‘Rice Bowl’ of the country due to its rich agricultural heritage and large-scale paddy production. Rice produced in the State has a distinct identity in both domestic and international markets.

 

The extension of mandi fee exemption, he said, will further strengthen the export ecosystem. Exporters had been demanding continuation of the exemption, as the earlier relief was set to expire in December 2025. The Chief Minister informed that rice from Chhattisgarh is currently being exported to nearly 90 countries, with export volumes close to one lakh tonnes. Under the State’s new industrial policy, emphasis is being laid on promoting small and medium industries, which will help strengthen rice processing and value addition.

 

The Government, he assured, remains fully committed to supporting exporters and expanding global market access. Highlighting emerging trends, the Chief Minister said that demand for organic products is rising rapidly across the world. Organic rice cultivation is already underway in Dantewada district and needs to be further encouraged. Promoting organic farming will not only increase farmers’ income but will also help Chhattisgarh’s rice secure a stronger foothold in premium international markets. Referring to the India International Rice Summit, the Chief Minister said that the second edition of the event is extremely important for the State.

 

Participation of buyers from 12 countries and embassy delegations from six countries is giving Chhattisgarh enhanced global visibility. Welcoming foreign delegates, he said that the State’s agricultural tradition and long-standing association with paddy cultivation are widely recognised. The Chief Minister also shared details of paddy procurement in the State. Paddy is being procured from farmers at the rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal, with procurement fixed at 21 quintals per acre. Last year,

 

149 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were procured and procurement is expected to increase further this year as well. He also highlighted various Central and State Government schemes being implemented for the welfare of farmers. During the summit, the Chief Minister visited the rice-centric exhibition, where he reviewed different varieties of rice, region-specific strains, innovations in rice production and the use of modern technology to enhance productivity. He also inspected Government stalls and appreciated efforts aimed at promoting rice production, processing and marketing. He said such innovations would directly benefit farmers and contribute to strengthening the State’s economy.

 

Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Abhishek Dev, Chhattisgarh Rice Millers Association President Kanti Lal, Ram Garg, along with rice millers, exporters and other stakeholders from across the country, were present on the occasion.