Bhubaneswar: The aromatic rice of Odisha has now reached the national capital, with customers showing great interest in buying different varieties of aromatic rice harvested by Odisha farmers at the ongoing India International Trade Fair in New Delhi.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment has set up a stall at the ‘Odisha Mandap’ of the International Fair, showcasing various agricultural products, including different varieties of rice like Badshaha Bhog, New Kalajeera, and Sugandha. These organically harvested aromatic rice varieties are in high demand.
Madhusudan Palai, an Odia diaspora, praised the ‘Odisha Mandap’, saying, “It looks the most beautiful. Different varieties of aromatic rice are available here. Since we eat basmati rice, we’re taking fragrant new Kalajeera rice.”
Currently, eight types of aromatic rice are being cultivated in 13 districts of Odisha. The Agriculture Department provides various inputs and technical assistance to farmers. This year, the department estimates that about 2.8 metric tonnes of aromatic rice will be sold at the New Delhi trade fair.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department, highlighted the significance of the International Trade Fair, saying, “It’s a unique opportunity to display and sell various products. This year, we’ve put up various types of aromatic rice prepared by our farmers at the Agriculture Department stall.”
Another attraction at the ‘Odisha Mandap’ is the various traditional and modern food items prepared under the ‘Shree Anna Abhiyan’ of the Agriculture Department, including millets, Mandia Ladu, biscuits, namkeen, and noodles. Visitors from Odisha and other states are showing great interest in these products.
DK Sharma from Uttar Pradesh, who visited the trade fair, said, “I bought turmeric from the Odisha Mandap. I also saw different types of basmati rice. Especially, I had heard about Odisha’s kalajeera rice before. I was happy to see it being sold here. It’s very beneficial for health.”
According to the Agriculture department’s reports, more than one and a half quintals of millet were sold at the Odisha stall last year. This time, it’s estimated to be four quintals. Customers are also buying turmeric, jaggery, and lemongrass oil at the Agriculture Department stall.
