Agriculture in Chhattisgarh is dominated by paddy cultivation, earning it the moniker *Dhaan ka Katora* (Rice Bowl of Central India). The fertile Mahanadi basin allows for extensive cultivation, though a significant portion of farming relies on monsoon rains rather than artificial irrigation.
Beyond rice, farmers cultivate maize, pulses, oilseeds (like soybeans and groundnuts), and horticulture crops. The state is also heavily invested in forestry and non-timber forest produce. The gathering of *Tendu* leaves (used for rolling bidis), Sal seeds, tamarind, and mahua flowers provides critical supplementary income for the rural and tribal populations. Organic farming initiatives have been gaining traction, particularly in the forested districts.