Koraput’s fragrant Kalajeera rice, recently granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, is set to become a part of the revered Mahaprasad at Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha. A 12-member team of tribal women from Koraput, known as Sabari Shreekhetra, embarked on a journey to Puri carrying one quintal of this prized rice variety. The offering of Kalajeera Rice is dedicated to the sibling deities at Jagannath Temple, marking an initiative to promote the cultivation of this unique black rice.

Prabhakar Adhikari from Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Limited, the farm cultivating Kalajeera rice in Koraput, expressed that the rice would be presented as bhog to the deities, emphasizing the aim to support the cultivation of this distinctive black rice variety. Following its offering at Puri, Kalajeera rice will also be utilized in preparing Prasad or Bhog at Lingaraj and Ananta Basudev temples in Bhubaneswar.

Kalajeera rice, often referred to as the ‘Prince of Rice,’ is renowned for its aromatic qualities and is cultivated in specific areas of Koraput district. Apart from its distinctive aroma, this rice is associated with various health benefits, including memory enhancement, diabetes control, increased hemoglobin levels, and improved body metabolism. Known for its antispasmodic, stomachic, carminative, antibacterial, astringent, and sedative properties, Kalajeera rice holds cultural and nutritional significance in the region.