New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: The unique fragrance of Odisha’s aromatic rice varieties has captivated visitors at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 in New Delhi. Hosted at the ‘Odisha Mandap,’ the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment showcased the state’s diverse agricultural produce, including aromatic rice and millet-based products, drawing significant attention from shoppers and food enthusiasts alike.
A range of aromatic rice varieties such as Badshah Bhog, New Kalajeera, and Sugandha were displayed and sold at the trade fair, generating high demand. These organically harvested rice varieties from 13 districts of Odisha were a highlight at the stalls.
Madhusudan Palai, an Odia resident of Delhi, shared his excitement, saying, “The Odisha Mandap attracts us with its diverse products. I discovered Kalajeera rice here, which is fragrant and a wonderful alternative to basmati.”
The Agriculture Department has been providing technical assistance and resources to farmers cultivating eight varieties of aromatic rice. Speaking on the significance of IITF, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, said,“International trade fairs offer an excellent platform to showcase and sell Odisha’s agricultural products. The popularity of our aromatic rice and millet-based items this year is a strong encouragement for our farmers.”
In addition to rice, Odisha’s millet-based food items, produced under the ‘Shri Anna Abhiyan,’ were crowd favorites. These included millet laddu, biscuits, mixtures, namkeen, and noodles. Customers praised the quality and health benefits of these nutritious products.
Last year, the Odisha pavilion sold over 1.5 quintals of millet items, while this year, sales are projected to reach 4 quintals. Similarly, around 28 quintals of aromatic rice are expected to be sold, alongside turmeric, jaggery, and lemongrass oil.
Visitors from across the country appreciated Odisha’s rich agricultural offerings. DK Sharma from Uttar Pradesh remarked, “I was delighted to see Odisha’s Kalajeera rice at the pavilion. I had heard of its health benefits before and couldn’t miss buying it here.”
The Odisha Mandap continues to serve as a hub for showcasing the state’s agricultural wealth and culinary heritage, while fostering connections between farmers and consumers on a national stage. This year’s successful turnout is expected to further encourage sustainable farming practices and bolster the income of Odisha’s farmers.