On Sunday, August 10, the two-day Desi Rice Mela took place in Mysuru, introducing people to the indigenous rice varieties and emphasising the paddy diversity of the region.
The mela was organised by Sahaja Samrudha and the Save Our Rice campaign, aiming to dispel the emerging fear that traditional paddy strains were losing ground to high-yielding commercial hybrids.
Overwhelming Public response in Desi Rice Mela
Around 200 paddy strains from the region, as well as different parts of the country, were shown and for sale, drawing overwhelming public response on the last day. Not only this, the organisers had also organised a cooking competition and children’s drawing contest, which received a good response at the Mela.
Additional details of the event
A farmer and seed conservator from Haveri distributed the prizes to the winners. Addressing the audience, he asserted: “The indigenous rice varieties were cultivated for hundreds of years in the country. Moreover, it is an integrated part of local food culture. These nutrient-rich varieties are being supplanted by polished white rice devoid of any health benefits, and hence the consumers should make a switch to traditional rice varieties to kindle demand for them,”.
The judge, Ms. Leela Shivakumar, called for kitchens to become treasure troves of indigenous rice varieties. He also noted that dietary diversity was significant for long-term health. Artist S. Vishnukumar, who gives prizes for the children’s drawing contest on the topic The World of Rice – As I See It’, said such activities promote awareness among youth about agricultural heritage.
The Consolation prizes were given to the winners, who were Kusuma Krishnamurthy, who secured first position, Mani Virupaksha secured second, and Sunitha Kumari, with third position. The two day event of Desi rice mela was graced by the presence of Suresh Kann of Save Our Rice Campaign, Tamil Nadu, Shanthakumar C, coordinator of Save Our Rice Campaign, Prema Lokkundi, head of Renuka Mahila Sangha, Bibi Jan, president of the Bibi Fathima Mahila Sangha of Teertha village, Kundagol taluk, along with G Krishna Prasad, director of Sahaja Samrudha and the Organic Farmers’ Collective, who also attended the event.