Rajamudi, black rice emerge crowd favourites at Desi Rice Mela in Mysuru
The Desi Rice Mela in Mysuru successfully promoted indigenous rice varieties, drawing significant interest from consumers despite lower seed sales due to poor monsoon conditions. The event featured cooking competitions and educational activities to highlight the nutritional value of traditional grains.
Why it matters
The event reflects a growing consumer interest in traditional agriculture and food security through the preservation of indigenous crop varieties.
The two-day Desi Rice Mela concluded in Mysuru on Sunday (July 19), with traditional rice varieties attracting an enthusiastic response from consumers, particularly young families. Organised by Sahaja Samruddha, Sahaja Seeds and Save Rice Campaign, the event highlighted the nutritional and cultural value of indigenous rice varieties.
Speaking after distributing prizes to winners of the traditional rice cooking competition, paddy farmer Syed Ghanikhan of Kirugavalu urged consumers to adopt native rice varieties for better health. He said these nutrient-rich varieties, cultivated by earlier generations, had sustained local food culture and promoted well-being.
The cooking contest featured dishes such as Mapillai Samba Idiyappam, Kichadi Samba Khichdi, Kappakki Payasa, Kempu Akki Shavige, Kempu Akki Payasa, Avalakki Payasa and Parimala Akki Pulao . Bharati won the first prize, while Nagamani Virupaksha secured the second prize.
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