Kala Namak rice and terracotta from E UP to feature in int’l trade show
By Arjumand Bano
The rich cultural and agricultural heritage of Eastern Uttar Pradesh is set to make a global mark at the UP International Trade Show, in Noida, from Sep 25 to 29.
The event will showcase terracotta products crafted from Gorakhpur, decorative items made from banana fibre sourced in Kushinagar, and the renowned Kala Namak rice of Siddharthnagar. These unique offerings have gained prominence under Yogi govt’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, said joint commissioner, industry, Gaurav Mishra.
As many as 25 artisans and entrepreneurs from Gorakhpur division will present their products to an international audience. Of these, 13 are from Gorakhpur, three from Deoria, four from Kushinagar and five are from Maharajganj. Among five participants from Gorakhpur associated with ODOP, Jitendra Kumar, Kalyani Kirti Singh, Shakuntala, and Deepika Singh specialise in terracotta crafts, he said.
Since they were included in ODOP, even as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally endorsing the craft on various platforms, terracotta products from Gorakhpur have gained popularity across India.
With a platform at the International Trade Show for the second consecutive time, there are high expectations for increased demand for these products in global markets. Terracotta craft was on the verge of extinction before 2017 due to lack of govt support.
Hariharpur, Kushinagar entrepreneur Ravi Prasad, who pioneered production of banana fibre items like bags, doormats and decorative pieces, will showcase his innovative creations at the fair. By utilising banana stems, which were once considered waste, Prasad has not only developed a thriving business but also trained over 400 women, empowering them with self-employment opportunities. “By including banana fibre in ODOP, govt has turned waste into wealth,” said Prasad.
Kala Namak rice holds a special place in the region’s heritage and Yogi govt has ensured those engaged in cultivation and trade of this aromatic rice have a platform at the show. While the area under Kala Namak cultivation dwindled before 2017, its designation as Siddharthnagar’s ODOP product in 2018 led to a remarkable revival, with cultivation now expanding to other districts as well. Stalls featuring the rice will be set up by participants from Siddharthnagar, Maharajganj, and Kushinagar. Suman Gupta from Terai Buddha Farmer Producer Company (Maharajganj) and Nagendra Sahni from Pravidhana Farmer Producer Company (Kushinagar) are among the participants selected.
Renowned for its distinctive taste and aroma, Kala Namak rice has seen a surge in exports since being included in ODOP.
This article has been republished from The Times of India.