Karnataka’s Kagga rice, a traditional saline-and flood-tolerant variety from Uttara Kannada, is all set to receive GI tag also known as Geographical Indication Tag. Kagga Rice which is grown in the Gazni marshlands near estuaries of Aganashini, Gangavali, Sharavath and Kali rivers, said Sangeetha Murali, coordinator for intellectual property rights. Further, this expected to be GI Tag rice is grown in the rice growing season of India from June to Nov, and is followed by indigenous practices tied to the southwest monsoon including performing a traditional ritual called ‘Garigai Pooje’ which involves burying a coconut in the soil and worshipping the local deity during Shravana and Karthika.
Normally, States sought GI tag to safeguard the culinary identity and traditions of their state. In this context, deputy director of agriculture Manju Ajjampura said that the state agriculture department has applied for Geographical Tag and a farmers’ producer organisation (FPO) will be formed to take over the process. Among other top rice producing states in India, Kagga Rice is mainly grown in the coastal regions of Karnataka. The crop generally matures in 135 days and is harvested by late October. Post harvest the fields are used to farm shrimp, creating a sustainable, symbiotic cycle. The state government is seeking GI Tag for Kagga Rice as it has several health benefits including rich source of fibre, easy to digest, it is good for active lifestyle and gym-goers.