The Rising Global Demand for Kalanamak Rice

In recent years, Kalanamak Rice has garnered a growing fan base overseas, with its exports increasing by more than three times in three years. Known for its rich flavor and nutritional value, Kalanamak Rice is considered a divine gift in the world of grains, akin to a blessing from Lord Buddha. Its recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI) product from Siddharthnagar adds to its allure, positioning it to potentially rival Basmati in export markets.

The UP Government’s Role

The UP Government’s ODOP program has put Kalanamak rice from Siddharth Nagar district on the world map. Since the government’s support, the area where Kalanamak is grown has increased from 2805 hectares to 5000 hectares.

This year, the goal is to grow Kalanamak on 10,000 hectares, as stated by Navneet Sehgal, the additional chief secretary of the MSME department. The state government has also set up an online platform for farmers in Siddharth Nagar to sell their crops.

In February, the Yogi Adityanath government added 20 new agricultural products to its ODOP scheme, aiming to double farmers’ income and boost investment and job opportunities locally through processing and branding these products.

Demand for Kalanamak Rice

The craze for Kalanamak Rice is not limited to India; it is also gaining popularity abroad. The Uttar Pradesh government’s declaration of Siddharthnagar as a District One Product (DOP) coupled with robust branding efforts has contributed to a remarkable threefold increase in its exports within three years.

The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, shared in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today that, according to information from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the percentage of Kalanamak rice exported to international markets and its usage in meeting domestic demand is as follows:

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The Government of Uttar Pradesh supports farmers and entrepreneurs/exporters through the One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme, providing financial assistance, training, tool kits, and procurement support. Currently, Kalanamak rice is exported to countries such as Singapore and Nepal. Besides export, it is also available on e-marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, and the ODOP e-market. The production of Kalanamak rice has significantly increased over the last three years. Here are the details:

According to data presented in the Rajya Sabha on December 17, 2021, Kalanamak Rice’s exports stood at 2% in 2019/2020, surged to 4% the following year, and maintained a steady growth at 7% in 2021/2022.

Pioneering the storage of Kalanamak Rice at the center, PRRDF (Participatory Rural Development Foundation) in Gorakhpur, led by Dr. R.C. Chaudhary, has exported 55 tons to Singapore and 10 tons to Nepal in the past two years, with ongoing demand from these countries and even limited exports to Dubai and Germany. Several other organizations are also actively engaged in Kalanamak Rice exports.

Kalanamak Rice Health Benefits

Noteworthy is the fact that Kalanamak Rice is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse. From its rich nutritional profile to its potential therapeutic properties, Kalanamak Rice offers numerous health benefits. The Kalanamak Rice is rich in vitamin A as beta-carotene, and higher in protein and zinc compared to other rice varieties, it plays a vital role in brain function and overall physical development at all ages. With a lower Glycemic Index (49 to 52%), it is also preferable for diabetics compared to other rice types.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kalanamak Rice’s journey from a regional delicacy to a globally sought-after grain reflects its exceptional taste and immense health benefits, making it a star in the world of nutritious foods.

Note: The information and data presented are based on available sources and lab tests and may be subject to change.