Farmers’ hard work, women’s entrepreneurship and aromatic Vishnubhog rice give Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi a new identity
Raipur, August 2026: Chhattisgarh’s 25th newly formed district, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM), is gaining a new identity not only for its natural beauty but also for its distinctive agricultural product — aromatic Vishnubhog rice. Under the Government of India’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, Vishnubhog rice has been selected as the district’s flagship product.
Known for its appealing aroma, excellent taste and traditional cultivation practices, Vishnubhog rice has emerged as a distinctive symbol of GPM district. Its fragrance is no longer confined to local fields and is now reaching different parts of Chhattisgarh as well as other states.
Around 1,500 farmers in the Pendra region are cultivating Vishnubhog paddy across nearly 600 acres of land. Their hard work, collective efforts and growing adoption of natural farming practices have helped take this traditional variety to new heights. Vishnubhog cultivation is not only improving farmers’ incomes but also strengthening the rural economy of the district.
Women Finding Markets for Their Hard Work
Women’s participation in the cultivation, processing, packaging and marketing of Vishnubhog rice is turning the initiative into an inspiring story of self-reliance.
The Malaniya Women Farmer Producer Company in Pendra procures Vishnubhog paddy from farmers. The paddy is then processed at a mini rice mill and made available in the market after attractive packaging and branding.
The initiative has provided permanent employment to 15 women members of the group. With greater economic empowerment, the women are progressing towards becoming Lakhpati Didis.
The group has so far successfully sold around two tonnes of Vishnubhog rice, earning a profit of approximately Rs 1 lakh.
Women’s Empowerment and Self-Reliance
The success of Vishnubhog demonstrates how traditional agricultural products can establish a strong presence in wider markets when local resources are combined with farmers’ hard work and women’s entrepreneurial strength.
Today, Vishnubhog rice is emerging as a powerful symbol of the prosperity of GPM’s farmers, the self-reliance of its women and the growth of local entrepreneurship.
Vishnubhog Taking GPM Towards a National Identity
Through the One District One Product scheme, Vishnubhog rice is receiving greater opportunities not only for cultivation but also for processing, packaging, branding and marketing. Its growing demand is creating new opportunities for local farmers and women entrepreneurs.
With greater support for production, branding and marketing in the coming years, Vishnubhog could give Chhattisgarh’s unique agricultural heritage a stronger national identity.
Grown in the fertile land of GPM, Vishnubhog rice is increasingly carrying the story of farmers’ hard work, women’s self-reliance and the vision of a self-reliant Chhattisgarh to markets far beyond the district.
