Kumar Bahukhandi
Collector Dr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan presents a packet of GPM’s signature Vishnu Bhog rice to Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, showcasing the district’s rich agricultural heritage and women-led livelihood success under the Bihan Mission on Monday July 6, 2026- Photo Credit -channel24india.com via CG/PR
Key factors
- Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb felicitated with GPM’s iconic Vishnu Bhog rice.
- Collector Dr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan highlighted the success of women-led SHGs under the Bihan Mission.
- Women are managing the production, processing, packaging, and marketing of the premium rice variety.
- Minister called for greater branding and market access for indigenous products.
- The initiative is strengthening rural livelihoods, women’s economic empowerment, and the district’s agricultural identity.
Women-Led ‘Bihan’ Initiative Showcases the District’s Agricultural Heritage and Rural Entrepreneurship
Raipur: : In a symbolic gesture celebrating local agriculture and women-led entrepreneurship, Chhattisgarh’s Minister for Skill Development, Technical Education & Employment and Scheduled Caste Development, Guru Khushwant Saheb, was felicitated with a packet of Vishnu Bhog rice, the signature agricultural product of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi (GPM) district on Monday July 6, 2026 .
The honour was presented by Collector Dr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan during the Minister’s visit to the district. The ceremonial presentation highlighted Vishnu Bhog rice as a symbol of GPM’s rich agricultural tradition and the growing success of women-led livelihood initiatives under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan).
Collector Dr. Dewangan informed the Minister that women belonging to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are actively engaged in the production, processing, packaging, and marketing of Vishnu Bhog rice. Renowned for its distinctive aroma, superior quality, and traditional heritage, the premium rice variety has become the district’s flagship agricultural identity while providing sustainable livelihoods to rural women.
Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, Collector Dr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan, Superintendent of Police Manoj Khalari, senior officials and dignitaries pose after the ceremonial presentation of Vishnu Bhog rice, celebrating the achievements of women Self-Help Groups and GPM’s unique agricultural identity -Photo Credit -channel24india.com via CG/PR
The Minister appreciated the efforts of the women entrepreneurs and praised the initiative as an inspiring model of rural empowerment.
“Vishnu Bhog rice reflects the rich agricultural heritage of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi and the dedication of our women Self-Help Groups. Such indigenous products deserve wider recognition and stronger market support so that farmers and women’s groups can enhance their incomes while establishing the district’s identity across the country,” he said.
The programme also featured the felicitation of a newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, who was presented with a packet of Vishnu Bhog rice by Collector Dr. Dewangan as a token of appreciation while being briefed about the district’s unique agricultural produce and livelihood initiatives.
The event was attended by Superintendent of Police Manoj Khalari, Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat Mukesh Rawte, public representatives, senior district officials, and other distinguished guests.
The initiative reflects the Chhattisgarh government’s broader focus on promoting local products, strengthening rural livelihoods, empowering women through Self-Help Groups, and creating sustainable market opportunities for traditional agricultural produce.
