Bhubaneswar, May 26: Odisha’s traditional rice variety ‘Govindbhog’ has recently come into global focus after being included among the Indian food items presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his foreign visit. During his meeting with global leaders, including the Director-General of the FAO, Qu Dongyu, in Rome, the Prime Minister gifted a selection of 10 Indian food products, among which Odisha’s famed Govindbhog rice was reportedly included.

Govindbhog is a native aromatic rice variety widely cultivated in Odisha, particularly in districts such as Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, and Ganjam. Known for its rich aroma and distinctive taste, the traditional crop has also been studied by the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) for its agronomic and culinary qualities. Significantly, this rice variety is also used in preparing Mahaprasad offered to Lord Jagannath at the Puri temple.

According to former OUAT professor Dr. Satyaranjan Das, Govindbhog paddy typically matures within 135–140 days and is mainly grown during the Kharif season. The plant grows taller compared to modern varieties, and its grain is highly valued for its flavour. He noted that freshly harvested rice tends to be sticky when cooked immediately, making it more suitable for dishes like kheer and khichdi. However, when stored for two to three months before cooking, it yields better-quality steamed rice.

Currently, Govindbhog rice is available in markets, though much of the branded supply in supermarkets is reported to come from outside Odisha, including Raipur and Kolkata. Despite this, Odisha-grown Govindbhog continues to be recognized for its traditional value and cultural significance, especially in religious and ceremonial use.