6 days ago
Desi rice mela to showcase over 200 traditional varieties in Mysuru
A two-day desi rice mela will be held in the city on August 9 and 10 at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry with the objective of reviving the rich heritage of native paddy varieties, once synonymous with the Old Mysuru region.
Organised by Sahaja Samrudha, Save Our Rice Campaign, and CREATE, the mela will highlight the diversity of desi rice, which was once integral to the region's food culture.
G. Krishnaprasad of the Sahaja Samrudha said that one of the objectives of the event is to create awareness among the public about the diversity in paddy and how it was going out of vogue due to consumer preferences shifting towards polished white rice.
Underlining the diversity of traditional varieties, he said that farmers in Old Mysuru region traditionally cultivated distinctive varieties such as Rajamudi, Ratnachoodi, Rajabhoga, Putta Bhatta, Anekombina Bhatta, Bangara Kaddi, Munduga, Halubalu, etc.
Each rice type had a culinary usage apart from having medicinal values, all of which has been displaced by polished white rice, said Mr. Krishnaprasad. 'The festival seeks to raise awareness among both consumers and farmers about the nutritional and cultural value of indigenous rice,' he added.
The mela will display over 200 varieties of rice, and visitors can also explore and purchase an array of red, black, golden, and aromatic rice from different parts of the country such as Kala Namak (Uttar Pradesh), Kala Jeera (Odisha), Komal Chawal (Assam), Navara and Mullan Kayama (Kerala), Mapillai Samba (Tamil Nadu), Ambe Mohar (Maharashtra), etc.
Also on display will be Karnataka's own rare treasures such as Karigajivili, Rajamudi, Dodyaga, Dodda Baira Nellu, Siddha Sanna, Salem Sanna, Rajabhoga, and Andanuru Sanna. 'High-quality seeds for the upcoming monsoon sowing season will be available alongside organic products, fruits, vegetables, native seeds, and value-added food items,' the organisers said.
There will also be a 'desi rice cooking contest' to familiarise the younger generation with traditional food culture. Participants must prepare any dish using desi rice at home and bring it to the venue by 12.30 p.m. on Sunday, August 10. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entries.
A drawing contest will also be held on the theme 'The World of Rice I Saw', which is open to children in two age categories: 5 to 10 years and 10 to 15 years. Participants should draw their entries at home and submit them by 11.00 a.m. on Sunday, August 10. Six of the best drawings will receive prizes, the organisers added.
For more details, contact Manju at 70900 09944.
