The story
Chhattisgarh is called the 'rice bowl' of central India, and Raipur sits at the centre of its paddy belt. Hundreds of rice mills mill paddy procured by the state and sell rice to the public distribution system and to traders. Rice is the state's main export, and Chhattisgarh has started exporting fortified rice kernels. The state also holds GIs for aromatic rice varieties such as Jeeraphool and Nagri Dubraj.
In numbers
Rice, engineering goods, electronic goods and spices were the main products in Chhattisgarh's merchandise exports of Rs 16,510 crore in FY26.
Chhattisgarh: State Economy and Industries (IBEF) · 2026In November 2025, APEDA facilitated the first export of 12 tonnes of fortified rice kernels from Chhattisgarh, to Costa Rica.
Chhattisgarh: State Economy and Industries (IBEF) · 2026Jeeraphool rice was registered as a GI in 2018-19 (application 611) and Nagri Dubraj in 2022-23 (application 669).
Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India) · 2026
GI tag
- JeeraphoolApplication no. GI Application No. 611Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
- Nagri DubrajApplication no. GI Application No. 669Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Fortified rice kernel blending for government schemes
- Rice bran oil and rice-based snacks
- Branded aromatic rice from GI varieties
- Husk-based power and particle board
Problems the cluster faces
- Dependence on government custom milling
- Power and labour costs
- Quality norms for export
Businesses to start here
Rice Mill (Mini) →Rice Flakes (Poha) Making →Murmura (Puffed Rice) Unit →Rice Husk Particle Board →Frymes (Rice Wafers) →Hill Red Rice Processing and Packing →