Koraput Kalajeera rice achieves milestone with GI Tag and inclusion in Mahaprasad

The first official consignment of GI-tagged Kalajeera rice was flagged off at Koraput for Puri on Thursday by Keerthi Vasan, collector, Rohit Verma, SP and Raghuram Macha, MLA, Koraput along with the farmers who had grown this paddy in their fields.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

In a significant milestone for tribal farmers, the heritage rice variety Koraput Kalajeera (GI No. 814) has gained national attention following its Geographical Indication (GI) Tag and its inclusion in the Mahaprasad offerings at Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri, said Pravakar Adhikari, secretary of Pragati, the organisation which had worked with farmers in getting the rare distinction for Kala Jeera rice.

Pragati has been promoting sustainable agro-ecological models, seed conservation, and community seed banks, with a special focus on indigenous food systems and climate-resilient practices.