While agriculture is not practiced heavily within the municipal limits of Ambikapur, the city's economy is deeply tied to the agricultural output of the Surguja district. The region is predominantly agrarian, with farming dependent heavily on monsoon rains.
The primary crop is paddy (rice), cultivated extensively during the Kharif season. Other significant crops include maize, wheat, oilseeds (like mustard and groundnut), and various pulses. The region is also known for horticulture, particularly the cultivation of potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Minor forest produce—such as mahua, tendu leaves, and sal seeds—also plays a critical role in the rural economy surrounding Ambikapur, with the city serving as the main trading post for these goods.