A two-day Rice Mela held in Hubli, Karnataka, showcasing the traditional Rice varieties of India. The Desi Rice Mela has been organised by Sahaja Samruddha at Urban Oasis Mall in Hubballi on Saturday. Interestingly, the event was inaugurated by Vibha Varshini from the Centre for Science and Environment. Furthermore, she stated that after realising the importance of traditional foods for family food security, hundreds of farmers were returning to indigenous crops. She also hailed the efforts of local farmer groups in conserving, cultivating, and directly marketing traditional rice varieties to consumers as commendable.
Director of Urban Oasis Mall signified the use of traditional rice varieties
Deepak S. Lulla, the Director of Urban Oasis Mall, stated the significance of traditional rice varieties. According to him, these varieties were rich in nutrients, and consumers should protect their health by using them.
Moreover, Prema Lokkundi, head of Renuka Mahila Sangha, briefed about the efforts. She has organised farmers from Kundagol and Shiggaon taluks (semi-Malenadu region) into a Desi Rice Growers Collective
“We have red rice varieties such as Dodyaga, Navilu Sali, Dambara Sali, Uduru Sali that grow in rainfall conditions. Since there is little local demand, these delicious rice varieties are going to Goa and Kerala”, she cited and requested the consumers to use the indigenous rice varieties for the benefit of their health.
Rice Mela for awareness purposes among consumers and farmers
Director of Sahaja Samrudha G. Krishna Prasad has stated that this rice mela has been organised to create awareness among the local consumers and farmers about the nutritional richness of traditional rice varieties. Apart from these, he also informed that traditional dryland rice is still grown in North Karnataka’s semi-Malenadu region, but rice mills required for processing this rice are not available locally. He stressed the necessity of the state government to support farmer groups conserving indigenous rice by coming forward on the scene.