Three Chhattisgarh districts receive ‘Millionaire Farmer of India–2025 Award’ for outstanding work in cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants

Raipur, December 2025 : For outstanding work in the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, three districts of Chhattisgarh — Dhamtari, Mungeli and Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi — have been honoured with the Millionaire Farmer of India–2025 Award.

The award was given under the guidance of the Chhattisgarh Tribal, Local Health Tradition and Medicinal Plant Board. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated all three districts for receiving this award, which recognises innovation-driven agricultural development. He also extended wishes to all those who contributed to the growth of various agricultural sectors in the state.

The ‘Oscar’ of Indian Agriculture

The prestigious award ceremony was organised from December 7 to 9, 2025 at IARI, Pusa Grounds, New Delhi, under the joint aegis of Krishi Jagran and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This award is also known as the “Oscar” of Indian agriculture.

Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap congratulates districts

Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap congratulated the three districts, stating that the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is generating new employment and income opportunities in tribal regions. He added that the achievement will serve as an inspiration for farmers and women self-help groups in the state.

Medicinal Plant Board Chairman Vikas Markam praises innovation-driven success

Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Tribal, Local Health Tradition and Medicinal Plant Board, Vikas Markam, expressed happiness over the achievement, saying that the schemes run by the board are enabling farmers and women self-help groups to become self-reliant. He said that cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants will be further expanded in the future.

Showcasing activities linked to medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation

At the event, the Board set up a stall to showcase activities related to medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation in Chhattisgarh. Traditional healers from the state shared knowledge and offered consultations on herbal treatments with visitors from India and abroad. The stall emerged as a major attraction at the programme.

Award for excellence in livelihood development through private investment in agriculture

With support from the Board and assistance from district administrations, cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants — including lemongrass and vetiver — is being promoted in Dhamtari, Mungeli and Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi. This initiative has strengthened the livelihoods of local farmers and women self-help groups.

For these successful efforts, the three districts were honoured for “Administrative Excellence in Livelihood Development through Private Investors in the Agricultural Sector.”

Award presented by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra

At the closing session on December 9, 2025, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra presented the award. Abhinav Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer, received the award on behalf of Mungeli district, while representatives of the district collectors accepted the honours for Dhamtari and Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi.

The programme was inaugurated by chief guest Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, and ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat. Distinguished guests included Dr. Rajbir Singh, DDG Agricultural Extension, ICAR; Dr. S.K. Malhotra, Vice Chancellor, MHU Karnal, along with several eminent figures such as J.A.C.S. Rao, CEO, Chhattisgarh State Medicinal Plant Board; Dr. Omveer Singh, Advisor, IFFCO & NDDB; Kamal Somani, MD, Somani Seeds; Dr. C.K. Timbadia, Vice Chancellor, GNFOAU; Dr. A.K. Yadav, Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture; Biju Albin, Agronomist, Office of the Ruler of Dubai; and others.

The event emerged as a major platform for agricultural experts, policymakers, farmers and industry representatives from India and abroad, giving new direction to innovation-driven agricultural development.