Rich in iron, zinc and antioxidants, Uttarkashi's red rice wins hearts across borders

Uttarkashi district, which is tucked away in the Himalayas, is no longer just known for its natural beauty and the Char Dham Yatra. The region's unique "red rice," which is cultivated there, is currently filling Indian and international markets with its aroma. The state of Uttarakhand, which was split off from Uttar Pradesh, has a rich agricultural legacy that includes red rice. Under the "One District One Product" (ODOP) initiative, the state government has chosen it as the flagship product for the Uttarkashi district.

Uttarkashi's red rice, which is rich in antioxidants, zinc, iron, and medicinal qualities, has improved the state's reputation by placing second nationally in the ODOP Awards. Its unique geographical identity is also confirmed by the Geographical Indication (GI) tag it has been given.

Red paddy is currently being given a scientific and commercial shape in the Purola, Mori, Naugaon, and Rawain Valley regions of Uttarkashi. Officials from the state's Agriculture and Horticulture Departments are supplying farmers with free high-quality seeds, organic manure, and guidance on managing crop pests. Under the state government's flagship umbrella brand "House of Himalayas," the red rice is being packaged in appealing vacuum packs and sent out to leading supermarkets, online retail platforms, and international markets. In order to cut down on farmers' labour and expenses, modern small-scale rice mills and processing centres have been set up at the cluster level.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that Uttarkashi's red rice is a priceless gift of the state's rich traditional agriculture and mountain culture when discussing the preservation and commercial promotion of red rice. He stated that the government is adamant about ensuring that Uttarakhand's unique traditional crops be given a national and international platform rather than being limited to local consumption. The government is giving farmers direct access to markets and a fair price for their produce through the ODOP program, the GI tag, and the "House of Himalayas" brand. He continued by saying that the growing demand for red rice is helping farmers become self-sufficient, which in turn is reducing migration from mountainous areas by promoting reverse migration.