Raipur: The efforts of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan) towards economic empowerment of women in Chhattisgarh and giving national recognition to local agricultural products are continuously succeeding. Arpa-Bihan Vishnubhog rice, produced and processed organically by women of self-help groups of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, is now getting full support from public representatives and common citizens. The latest example of this was seen when Vishnubhog rice worth more than Rs 45 thousand was sold in just 30 minutes during the local public dialogue program organized in the Assembly Hall at Pendra in Gaurela Pendra Marwahi district.

This achievement is a testament to the hard work of rural women, their quality-based production, and the growing public confidence in the state  government 's livelihood-oriented schemes. Public representatives and citizens present at the event boosted their confidence by purchasing rice directly from women in self-help groups.

Chief guests at the event, Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, Marwahi MLA Shri Pranav Kumar Marpachi, and Kota MLA Shri Atal Shrivastava personally purchased Vishnubhog rice, applauding the women's efforts, and spreading the message of promoting local products. Local resident Shri Pankaj Tiwari, meanwhile, became the largest buyer by purchasing 200 kilograms of Vishnubhog rice at once. His gesture inspired other citizens to embrace local products.

Women Farmer Producer Companies (FPOs), formed under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihar), have emerged as a key link in this initiative. Vishnubhog rice, produced organically by women, is being scientifically processed, attractively branded, quality packaged, and systematically marketed. This ensures better market access for the produce and ensures farmers and women producers receive fair prices for their produce.

Collector Dr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan and District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mukesh Raote have played an active role in promoting this initiative in the district. Under their guidance, Vishnubhog rice is being continuously promoted at various government programs, exhibitions, and public forums. As a result, its demand is rapidly increasing, and more women are joining this model to supplement their incomes.

Mr. Durgashankar Soni, District Manager of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, stated that 179 CMSA (Community Managed Sustainable Agriculture) villages have been selected under the mission in the district. This year, the target is to produce Vishnubhog rice on more than 250 acres, to promote organic farming, provide farmers with better prices, and enable women in self-help groups to set a new example of economic self-reliance under the Lakhpati Didi campaign.

Through the coordination of the hard work of rural women, the quality of organic farming, modern marketing system and community participation, Arpa-Bihan Vishnubhog is no longer just an agricultural product, but is emerging as a powerful symbol of Chhattisgarh's women power, local entrepreneurship and self-reliant rural economy. The speed with which this product is gaining the trust of the market and consumers, it is rapidly moving towards establishing itself as Chhattisgarh's unique agricultural identity at the national level in the times to come.