‘Koraput Kalajeera Rice,’ an aromatic rice variety with nutritional value, has got Geographical Indications (GI) status, bringing cheers to tribal farmers who have been growing it for ages.

 

The Odisha government supported Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Limited at Pujariput had applied on January 11, 2022, for the registry of Koraput Kalajeera Rice.

 

An advertisement in this regard was issued on August 31, 2023 on the official website of the Geographical Indications Registry.

 

The farmers of Koraput district in Odisha, the centre of origin of cultivated rice, have domesticated Kalajeera rice over generations. With the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Odisha government’s department of agriculture and farmers empowerment, the farmers’ organisation received the GI tag for ‘Koraput Kalajeera Rice.’

 

Koraput Kalajeera Rice known as the ‘Prince of Rice’ is an aromatic variety originating from Koraput district of Odisha. Upholding the nutritional and cooking quality, the rice looks like coriander seeds. The ancestors of the present tribal communities of Koraput district have domesticated the rice in the region for thousands of years contributing to conservation of crop. It is popular among rice consumers for its black colour, good aroma, taste and texture.

 

Jeypore area of Koraput district and surrounding geographical area is very prominent for Kalajeera Rice. The rice is grown in Koraput district’s Tolla, Patraput, Pujariput, Baliguda and Mohuli areas.

 

The ancient text explains that Kalajeera rice improves memory and controls diabetes. It is believed to increase hemoglobin levels and the body metabolism. This fragrant grain has antispasmodic, stomachic, carminative, antibacterial, astringent and sedative properties.

 

Recently, ‘Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal,’ a brinjal species grown in Nayagarh district, had received the GI tag from the Centre.

Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on the moon, and this quarter’s (Q1FY24) GDP growth rate of 7.8 per cent, will bolster India’s image in the upcoming G20 final meetings, scheduled on September 9-10. India can showcase not only its scientific prowess in space technologies but also the management of its economy, which looks set to clock the highest growth rate amongst G20 countries for two successive years. This will surely be lauded by many, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to announce India’s emergence on the global stage during this Amrit Kaal up to 2047, making science and economy deliver for humanity at large under the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – One Earth, One Family, One Future.

 

The question before us is: How can India with its G20 presidency walk the talk to benefit the masses in the Global South for whom food and nutritional security is still a challenge, one made worse by climate change? The likely answer to this question is embedded in the Deccan High-Level Principles as outlined in the ‘Outcome Document and Chair’s Summary’ of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) of G20 nations that was held on June 15-17 at Hyderabad. The Deccan High-Level Principles are: One, facilitate humanitarian assistance to countries and populations in vulnerable situations; two, enhance availability and access to nutritious food and strengthen food safety nets; three, strengthen policies and collaborative actions for climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems; four, strengthen resilience and inclusivity in agriculture and food value chains; five, promote the one health approach; six, accelerate innovation and the use of digital technology, and seven, scale-up responsible public and private investments in agriculture.

A conclave titled ‘Basmati Rice No Compromise’, was organised under the aegis of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) here on Friday, as a part of public interest education and awareness initiative.

 

FSSAI commissioner Punjab Abhinav Trikha said it was important to set standards and ensure that those are being met. The FSSAI had recently released regulations on identity standards for Basmati rice, including brown Basmati, milled Basmati, parboiled brown Basmati, and milled parboiled Basmati, to encourage balanced nutrition and enhance food safety awareness among consumers.

 

The first-ever regulations take on the issue of rampant adulteration in Basmati rice sold in India and restrict the presence of non-Basmati grains to 15% in Basmati rice, ensuring that the consumers get unadulterated and quality rice.

 

Ayush Gupta, business head, India market of KRBL Limited and a Basmati rice industry leader, said, 'The FSSAI regulations will undoubtedly bolster consumer confidence in the authenticity and safety of our cherished Basmati rice, both within India and globally.'