Koraput Kalajeera Rice, an aromatic rice mostly grown by tribals, gets GI tag
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.
By Suryanarayan Panda
Koraput: ‘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.
