E-commerce platform Flipkart will take Kala-Namak Rice from Uttar Pradesh farmers to all over India. Additional chief secretary, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Dr. Navneet Sehgal said while addressing the farmers virtually that One District One Product (ODOP) and Flipkart have reached a new level of cooperation. This will help farmers earn a good sum for their produce.
He said that a common facility center (CFC) is under construction at Siddharthnagar under ODOP scheme. This center will provide air-conditioned go-down for storage of black rice, packaging for marketing on the basis of grading. A research institute to work on Kala Namak Rice will also be set up in Siddharthnagar by International Rice Research Institute. A few FPOs have already been set in 12 development blocks of Siddharthnagar. Flipkart’s group chief corporate officer, Rajnish Kumar said his company would provide a marketplace to local farmers and help strengthen FPOs.
About ODOP:
The One District One Product Programme was inaugurated on January24, 2018 by Honorable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Yogi Adityanath. This project aims to encourage more promote the indigenous and specialized products/ crafts of Uttar Pradesh. The selected product under ODOP is Traditionally famous for their production and manufacturing from that particular district. For example, Kala Namak Rice from Siddharthnagar. There are many units engaged in Rice processing in the district.
About Kala-Namak Rice:
Kala-Namak Rice also popularly known as the Black Pearl of India is one of the finest quality rice of India and characterized by its black husk. It is said to outshine even the most exclusive Basmati Rice in all aspects except the grain length. It is rich in micronutrients Zinc and Iron. The glycemic index of Kalanamak rice is also lower than the rest of the rice.
This Variety has been in cultivation since the Buddhist period and is believed to be related to Mahatma Buddha. There is a saying that when Mahatma Buddha started leaving from Siddharthnagar, he gave rice to the local people and said that the aroma of this rice will always remind people of him. It is mostly cultivated in Himalayan tarai of eastern Uttar Pradesh. However, in the last 15 years the area under its cultivation has declined sharply. Hopefully, this Joint venture by ODOP and Flipkart help revive it.
