Koraput, Feb 19: Koraput district’s famed agricultural produce — ginger and Kalajeera rice — has now found buyers in other states, marking a significant step in connecting tribal farmers to wider markets.

The Jaibik Sri Farmers Producer Company of Koraput has successfully exported 100 quintals of dried ginger to Bengaluru, 240 quintals of raw ginger to Punjab, and 60 quintals of premium-quality Kalajeera rice to the Haryana market.

Thanks to direct market linkages, farmers are expected to earn 30-40% higher profits compared to current local market prices. This will strengthen their financial condition and build confidence in collective marketing, officials said.

Also read: Harmanpreet Kaur Becomes Most-Capped Player in Women’s International Cricket

District Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan stated that market integration is the key to ensuring fair value for farmers’ produce. He emphasized that in the coming days, producer companies will be further strengthened to connect Koraput’s tribal farmers with larger national markets. “This will play a crucial role in enhancing sustainable income for tribal farmers and accelerating the local agricultural economy,” Mahajan said.

Horticulture Deputy Director Sudam Chandra Biswal added that the success was possible due to the coordinated efforts of Pragati NGO and Jaibik Sri Farmers Producer Company, supported by Palladium’s technical guidance.

Kalajeera rice, often called the “Prince of Rice,” is a famous aromatic variety from Odisha. It is cultivated across 14 blocks including Jeypore, Boipariguda, Kotpad, and Borigumma, mainly by tribal women. In 2024, Kalajeera rice received the GI tag, boosting its recognition and market value.

Kalajeera rice also holds cultural and spiritual importance. In February last year, a group of 12 tribal women offered Kalajeera rice at the Jagannath Temple in Koraput and later carried it to Puri, presenting it to the temple administration. The temple authorities confirmed that Mahaprasad prepared at Shreemandir would henceforth use chemical-free grains, including Kalajeera rice, to ensure purity in offerings.