Raipur . Cultivation of Brahmi is a new and reliable source of income for farmers. It is a major medicinal plant, which is used to enhance memory, mental peace and in Ayurveda, due to which it is in great demand in the market. It is being encouraged by institutions like Chhattisgarh Medicinal Plant Board, and in some places, buy back facility is also available, due to which farmers are getting direct benefit. Due to the efforts of Chhattisgarh Tribal, Local Health Tradition and Medicinal Plant Board, farmers of the state are now rapidly moving towards medicinal crops along with traditional paddy cultivation. Especially Brahmi cultivation has emerged as a new and reliable source of income for farmers.

Farmers are being encouraged to cultivate Brahmi under the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Cultivation Scheme run by the Board. Brahmi is a medicinal crop with low costs and high profits. Once planted, it can be harvested every three months for three to four years. Brahmi is used to enhance memory, improve mental health, and manufacture neurological medications and beauty products, which maintains its steady demand in the market. While paddy cultivation has high costs per acre and limited profits, Brahmi cultivation costs approximately 21,000 rupees annually. With a production of approximately 30 quintals per year, farmers earn approximately 150,000 rupees. Thus, farmers are earning a net profit of approximately 120,000 rupees. This is why farmers are now adopting Brahmi cultivation as a profitable option.

The Board is providing Brahmi planting material to farmers free of charge, further reducing their initial costs. Furthermore, to address the problem of selling their produce, pre-arranged purchase contracts have been ensured, eliminating market concerns. The climate and soil of Chhattisgarh are highly suitable for Brahmi cultivation. It grows easily even in humid and waterlogged areas, where other crops are at risk of damage. For this reason, farmers are gradually moving towards alternative farming methods alongside paddy. Currently, approximately 36 farmers in Raipur and Dhamtari districts are successfully cultivating Brahmi on 15 acres of land, serving as an inspiration for other farmers.

Mr. Vikas Markam, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Tribal, Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plants Board, commended the farmers' initiative, stating that, under the guidance of Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap and with continued efforts, medicinal plant cultivation is becoming an effective means of strengthening the rural economy and increasing farmers' income. He explained that the Board is working towards making farmers self-reliant by providing them technical guidance, planting materials, and marketing support. As medicinal plant cultivation gains new recognition in the state, the demand for Brahmi and other medicinal plants produced in Chhattisgarh will increase not only in the country but also abroad, positioning the state as a leader in medicinal farming. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Forest Department and the Board, Chhattisgarh farmers are now approaching farming with a new mindset. Brahmi cultivation is not only increasing their income but also showing them a new path to self-reliance.