00 Chief Minister made the announcement at the India International Rice Summit
00 Demand for organic products is increasing rapidly - Sai

Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today attended the India International Rice Summit held at a private resort in the capital Raipur. On this occasion, he has given a big gift to the rice exporters. The period of exemption in market fee has been extended by one year. The announcement made by CM Sai during the India International Rice Summit is a big gift for both rice exporters and farmers. Along with this, the regional office of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was also inaugurated. He said that at present the demand for organic products is increasing rapidly and organic rice is being cultivated in Dantewada, which needs to be encouraged further.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that this second edition of the India International Rice Summit is extremely important. The presence of buyers from 12 countries and embassy delegations from six countries will help Chhattisgarh gain international recognition. He welcomed and greeted all foreign guests on the sacred land of Chhattisgarh. The Chief Minister stated that our ancestors thoughtfully called Chhattisgarh the rice bowl, and today the state is living up to this name. Rice has been an integral part of Chhattisgarh's cuisine, and thousands of rice varieties are grown here. Referring to the fragrant Jeera Phool and Dubaraj rice varieties of the Surguja region, he said their aroma is recognizable from afar. Rice exports from Chhattisgarh will receive a boost. Rice exports have long been demanding exemptions from market fees. The government granted exemptions last year as well, but the exemption expires in December 2025.
The Chief Minister stated that under the state government's new industrial policy, small-scale industries are being promoted, which will strengthen rice processing and exports. He said that Chhattisgarh currently exports nearly 100,000 tons of rice to approximately 90 countries. The government is always ready to support exporters. He informed that 21 quintals of paddy per acre are being purchased from farmers in the state at a rate of Rs. 3,100 per quintal. Last year, 149 lakh metric tons of paddy were purchased, and this year 
's purchase is expected to increase again. During the event, the Chief Minister also shared information about the schemes implemented by the Central and State governments for the benefit of farmers. During the India International Rice Summit, Chief Minister Shri Sai visited the rice exhibition. He inquired about various rice varieties, regionally produced varieties, innovations in rice production, and efforts to increase productivity through modern technology. The Chief Minister also inspected government stalls and praised the efforts being made to promote rice production and marketing. The Chief Minister stated that such innovations will increase rice production, directly benefiting farmers and strengthening the state's economy.
On this occasion, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Chairman of APEDA Shri Abhishek Dev, President of Chhattisgarh Rice Millers Association Shri Kanti Lal, Shri Ram Garg, millers, rice businessmen and stakeholders from across the country were present.