Bengal’s Gobindabhog and Tulaipanji set to gain global recognition
Published on: January 8, 2024.
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Source: https://indianexpress.com
New Rules for Grading Rice to Boost Aromatic Varieties’ Export Potential
In a significant move, the Central government has announced new regulations for grading rice, which will create a separate category for five aromatic rice varieties from West Bengal. The introduction of the ‘aromatic non-Basmati category’ under the ‘Grading and Marking Rule 2023’ is expected to enhance the export potential of indigenous aromatic rice varieties and put them on the global map.
The West Bengal Agriculture Marketing Department revealed that the draft rules for the proposed category have been prepared and are anticipated to be finalized within a few weeks. Currently, the production of indigenous aromatic rice varieties like Gobindabhog and Tulaipanji is exported under the Basmati rice category. However, these varieties have distinct characteristics that set them apart from Basmati rice, necessitating the creation of a separate category. The new rules will address this issue and facilitate the export of aromatic non-Basmati rice.
West Bengal’s Indigenous Aromatic Rice Varieties to Benefit
The state of West Bengal plans to export five indigenous aromatic rice varieties, namely Gobindabhog, Tulaipanji, Randhuni Pagol, Kataribhog, and Kalonunia, under the proposed ‘aromatic non-Basmati category.’ These varieties have immense export potential, but they often go unrecognized as they are currently exported under the Basmati rice category. By creating a distinct identity for these indigenous categories, the new grading and marking rules will enhance their export potential and significantly benefit farmers in West Bengal.
Expansion of Grading and Marking Rules
The introduction of the proposed grading and marking rules will not only benefit West Bengal but also the entire country. Different states in India possess their own indigenous aromatic rice varieties, which differ from Basmati rice. Hence, the creation of a distinct category will cater to the diverse rice-producing regions in the country.
The marketing and inspection division of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare recently informed the state agriculture department about the upcoming draft for the non-Basmati aromatic rice grading and marking rules. The West Bengal agriculture department has already provided its suggestions and applied for the grading and marking of Gobindabhog under the non-Basmati rice category. Subsequently, they plan to seek grading for the other four aromatic rice categories as well. It is anticipated that by 2024, these rice varieties will be export-ready under the aromatic non-Basmati rice category.
Geographical Indication Status of Gobindabhog
Gobindabhog, an aromatic rice variety found in the Purba Bardhman, Birbhum, and Bankura districts of West Bengal, holds special significance. It obtained the geographical indication (GI) status from the Centre in 2017. Historically, Gobindabhog has been associated with the affluent classes, being offered as ‘bhog’ to the deity Govindji. Renowned Bengali writer Dinabandhu Mitra even described it as a high-quality and costly rice variety. Today, over 65,000 hectares of land in West Bengal are used for Gobindabhog cultivation.
While the creation of a separate grading and marking system for Gobindabhog holds promise for its export potential, there are concerns regarding chemical farming practices and the benefits reaped by the farmers. Nevertheless, this development showcases the efforts of the West Bengal government, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the forefront, in ensuring the welfare of farmers and promoting their interests.
