Kalanamak Rice

Current Context: Uttar Pradesh government plans to export Kalanamak rice (Buddha rice) to countries with significant Buddhist populations.

ABOUT KALANAMAK RICE

• Agricultural and Cultural Background:
  • Non-basmati, aromatic traditional rice variety.
  • Cultivated mainly in eastern UP, especially Siddharthnagar.
  • Known as ‘Buddha rice’; dates back to the 6th century BCE (Buddha period).
  • Listed under ODOP (One District One Product)
• Recognition & Export:
  • Received GI tag in 2013.
  • Listed among specialty rice varieties by the FAO of the UN.
  • Export plans target nations with Buddhist cultural ties.