Gobindobhog rice a premium, short-grain, aromatic rice from the Indian state of West Bengal, is popular for its distinct aroma sweet buttery flavor, and soft texture. This unique variety of rice is traditionally used in Bengali cuisine for dishes like payesh (known as Bengali rice pudding), pulao and khichuri (Bengali khichdi). The rice variety has earned GI Tag (Geographical Indication), depicting its unique quality and cultural significance to the region.
During the festive seasons of West Bengal, Durga Puja organisers often put pulao or payesh in their menu list, however this time while planning for their menu list organisers might have to check out the price of the key ingredient. Gobindobhog rice Bengal’s strain of short-grain, aromatic rice, is now twice as costly as it was six months ago. From its previous rate of ₹95-100 in March, the retail price of a kilo of the GI-tagged and widely exported Gobindobhog rice has now jumped to ₹195-200. Whereas some of the costlier brands are also selling at ₹220-240 per kg.
Traders and Exporters Cite Two Major Reasons for the Unusual Price Hike of Gobindobhog Rice
This unusual price hike of Gobindobhog rice is attributed to two main reasons by the traders and exporters. Exporters reported that due to the low production of the rice variety caused due to cyclone Dana and rain during the harvest season of November impacted the crop, about 25 per cent of the crop was damaged.
Further an unusual rise in the global demand for Gobindobhog rice, particularly in the Gulf also led to the price hike.
Premium, Short Grain Gobindobhog Rice is Exported to Several Countries
The major importers of this variety of rice are countries like Kuwait, the UAE and Canada. Before the rice variety gained popularity, West Bengal was the sole exporter of Gobindobhog rice however since its demand increased states like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand also started cultivating and exporting this premium variety of rice.
All India Kisan Sabha state secretary Amal Haldar said reported that “that since last year, the Gulf countries have been refusing consignments of Gobindobhog from Uttar Pradesh because of quality concerns,” hence the demand for Bengal’s Gobindobhog has increased this time, resulting in the abnormal price hike.