Big gift to farmers on Hareli Tihar: Advance incentive amount of Rs 54.36 lakh distributed for cultivation of medicinal plants

Raipur, August 2026 / Cultivation of medicinal plants requires lower inputs, less water, and fewer chemical fertilizers than traditional crops, while high demand in national and international markets provides farmers with significantly higher profits. Crops like ashwagandha, asparagus, aloe vera, basil, and lemongrass offer excellent options for increasing farmers' incomes at lower costs and expense.

On the eve of Hareli Tihar, the Chhattisgarh government encouraged farmers cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants. In a program organized by the Chhattisgarh Tribal, Local Health Traditions and Medicinal Plants Board, under the Forest Department, a total of 54.36 lakh rupees in advance incentives were distributed to farmers and self-help groups in Narayanpur (Abujhmad) and Dhamtari districts.

Forest and Climate Change Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap attended the event held today as the chief guest at the State Forest Research Building, Zero Point, in the capital. The event was presided over by Mr. Vikas Markam, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Medicinal Plant Board, and Vice Chairman Mr. Anjay Shukla and MLA Mr. Anuj Sharma were present as special guests.

Giving advance money to farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants is a gift of Hareli Tihar

Addressing the program, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap stated that medicinal plant cultivation is emerging as a low-cost, high-profit option for farmers. It requires less water, requires minimal expenditure on pesticides, and can generate additional income by planting medicinal plants on field boundaries. He stated that Hareli is Chhattisgarh's oldest festival, deeply rooted in agricultural culture. Providing farmers with advance funds for medicinal plant cultivation on this occasion is truly a gift of Hareli Tihar, which will give them renewed economic strength. On this occasion, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap was welcomed by Board Chairman Shri Vikas Markam, Vice Chairman Shri Ajay Shukla, and Board Chief Executive Officer Shri J.A.C.S. Rao, presenting them with a garland of Khumri and a bouquet of flowers prepared by women from self-help groups.

Conservation and promotion of rare medicinal species

Speaking at the event, Board Chairman Mr. Vikas Markam said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai and Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap, the Board is continuously working to conserve and promote medicinal plants, preserve traditional knowledge, develop the capacity of herbalists, and increase farmers' income. He informed that work has also been initiated to conserve and promote approximately 50 rare medicinal species that are on the verge of extinction in Chhattisgarh.

Herbal medicine is the basis of our traditional health system.

Board Vice Chairman Mr. Anjay Shukla stated that the importance of herbal medicines is the foundation of our traditional health system. Even today, people in rural areas use natural medicinal plants, and this is the greatest strength of our health tradition. Speaking at the event, Board Chief Executive Officer Mr. J.A.C.S. Rao stated that the Board is promoting medicinal plant cultivation on a mission mode. Farmers are provided free saplings and arrangements are made for the purchase of their produce, ensuring they do not face any marketing difficulties.

At the event, 25 farmers from Narayanpur (Abujhmad), 18 farmers from Dhamtari district, and 43 self-help groups received advance incentives totaling ₹54.36 lakh. This amount was disbursed through the Board's contracted organizations, Messrs. Stevia and Insta Herbs, to enable farmers to begin medicinal plant cultivation without financial hardship. This initiative will not only promote medicinal plant cultivation but also increase farmer incomes, increase women's economic participation, and strengthen Chhattisgarh's traditional health practices.