The hard work of farmers, the entrepreneurship of sisters and the fragrant Vishnubhog rice gave a new identity to Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi.

Raipur, August 2026. Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, the 25th newly formed district of Chhattisgarh, is now gaining recognition for its unique agricultural product, the aromatic Vishnubhog rice, along with its natural beauty. Vishnubhog rice has been selected as the district's main product under the Government of India's One District, One Product scheme. With its captivating aroma, excellent taste, and traditional farming characteristics, Vishnubhog rice has become the unique identity of the GPM district. The fragrance of Vishnubhog is no longer confined to the fields, but is now crossing the district's borders and reaching various parts of the state and the country.

In the Pendra region, approximately 1,500 farmers cultivate Vishnubhog rice on approximately 600 acres of land. Farmers' hard work, collective efforts, and a shift toward natural farming have taken this unique rice variety to new heights. Vishnubhog cultivation is not only increasing farmers' incomes but also strengthening the district's rural economy.

In Vishnu Bhaiya's government, the hard work of the sisters is getting a market.

Women's involvement in Vishnubhog rice, from cultivation to processing, packaging, and marketing, makes it an inspiring story of self-reliance. Vishnubhog rice is procured from farmers by the Malaniya Mahila Farmer Producer Company, Pendra. The rice is then processed in a mini rice mill and made available in the market with attractive packaging and branding.

This work has provided permanent employment to 15 women members of the group. The women are becoming financially empowered and moving towards becoming Lakhpati Didis. So far, the women of the group have successfully sold approximately 2 tons of Vishnubhog rice, earning them a profit of approximately 1 lakh rupees.

Respect and self-reliance of sisters, strong identity of development

Vishnubhog's success demonstrates that when local resources are combined with the hard work of farmers and the power of women, even traditional products can create a distinct identity in the broader market. Vishnubhog rice is emerging as a powerful symbol of the prosperity of the farmers of the GPM district, the self-reliance of the women, and local entrepreneurship.

From the fragrance of Vishnubhog to national identity, GPM

Through the One District, One Product (ODP) initiative, Vishnubhog rice is receiving a better platform for production, processing, packaging, branding, and marketing. Its growing demand is creating new opportunities for local farmers and women entrepreneurs.

In the future, with further encouragement for the production, branding, and marketing of Vishnubhog, this rice could give Chhattisgarh's unique agricultural heritage a new identity at the national level. Growing on GPM soil, Vishnubhog is today spreading the fragrance of farmers' hard work, sisters' self-reliance, and a self-reliant Chhattisgarh progressing under Vishnubhaiya's good governance.