Lemongrass Transforms Barren Land in Chhattisgarh, Halts Migration

• Barren land in Gorella-Pendra-Marwahi district, Chhattisgarh, is now thriving with lemongrass, a low-water, low-maintenance crop.
• A cluster model provides farmers with training, technical guidance, and direct market access, with contracts secured before planting.
• Industries offer advance assistance for cultivation, repaid post-harvest, enabling small farmers to start without debt.
• Local distillation units extract oil, with plans for more, reducing transport costs and adding value locally.
• Lemongrass cultivation has created local employment, stopping migration and boosting incomes for farmers like Aghahan Singh.

Why It Matters: Lemongrass cultivation in Chhattisgarh is transforming rural economies, providing income and halting migration.