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Sahaja Samrudha, in collaboration with the Rebuild India Fund and the Save Our Rice Campaign, has organized the ‘Desi Rice Mela’ to showcase the diversity of rice varieties in the country and highlight some of the lesser-known types.The event will take place on May 18 and 19 at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry, and the organizers describe it as a celebration of rice diversity.
This event aims to highlight the agricultural diversity and the importance of preserving and conserving rare and endangered rice varieties, said Krishnaprasad of Sahaja Samrudha.He mentioned that a wide array of rice varieties from different regions of the State will be exhibited, introducing the public to some lesser-known types.“Many in the current generation are unaware of the rice diversity in India, which had about one lakh varieties before the Green Revolution.
Now, only 30,000 varieties remain in our gene banks,” said Mr. Krishnaprasad, whose organization advocates for indigenous crops and is involved in conserving rare rice varieties and promoting the cultivation of millets.He added that Karnataka boasts a rich culinary heritage, with each rice variety characterized by distinct textures, flavors, and tastes.
There is also a strong belief among farmers in the medicinal properties of some rice varieties, though health benefits have only recently started gaining attention and may require further study, he noted.
Among the varieties to be displayed are Gandhasale, Ambemour, and Jeeriga Samba, which are scented varieties used in special rice dishes like pulav, biryani, and phirni. Payasa, a dessert, gets a unique taste when prepared with Burma Black rice, while Rajamudi was the preferred variety of the Wadiyars, the rulers of Mysuru, said Mr. Krishnaprasad.A desi rice food competition will be held on May 19 at 12:30 p.m. to popularize traditional rice dishes, and there will be a painting contest for children below 12 years of age at 10:30 a.m.
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