Puri, Feb 2: The aromatic and nutrition-rich Koraput Kalajeera Rice is slated to be a key ingredient in the Mahaprasad offerings at Srimandir in Puri.
A 12-member team embarked from the renowned Koraput Jagannath Temple, also known as Shabara Srikshetra, carrying one quintal of this distinctive rice variety.
Sources said, the Lingaraj temple and Ananta Basudev temples in Bhubaneswar are set to receive a consignment of the special Kalajeera Rice from Koraput soon.
Prabhakar Adhikari, representing Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Limited, the farm responsible for cultivating this unique rice in Koraput, stated, "The journey from Shabara Shrikshetra to Puri Shrikshetra has commenced today. The Kalajeera Rice will be presented as bhog to the Holy Trinity. This initiative aims to promote the cultivation of black rice."
The Kalajeera Rice in Koraput got Geographical Indications (GI) status in September 2023, bringing cheers to tribal farmers who have been growing it for ages.
The application for the registration of Koraput Kalajeera Rice was submitted by the Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Limited at Pujariput, with support from the Odisha government, on January 11, 2022.
Recognized as the 'Prince of Rice,' Koraput Kalajeera Rice is an aromatic variety originating from the Koraput district of Odisha. Boasting nutritional and culinary excellence, the rice grains resemble coriander seeds. Cultivated by the ancestors of the present tribal communities in Koraput for thousands of years, this rice variety has played a crucial role in crop conservation. Its popularity among rice consumers stems from its distinctive black color, enticing aroma, and delightful taste and texture.
