Sambalpur farmer tries luck with 'Black Rice'

Sambalpur: It is now testing times for Sunil Sahu as the farmer from Sambalpur has opted for 'Kalabati Dhaan' or the black rice cultivation on an experimental basis this year.

The black rice variety, known for its rich medicinal values, was on the verge of extinction while farmers in several parts of Odisha are trying to revive the 'Kalabati Dhan'.

Sahu has cultivated black rice variety in his 10 acres of land at Basiapada under Jujumara block in the district. Moreover, the entire cultivation of the local variety has been done organic method without using any chemical fertilizer.

"The rice variety gives a yield in 150 days and I am using neem oil and other organic methods to keep the crops protected," said Sahu.

Sahu further informed that the colour of the plant is black and grows up to six feet high.

Sambalpur agriculture department is also closely tracking the black rice cultivation in the area.

"We will analyse the yield and detail character of the rice variety which has medicinal value," said deputy director (agriculture), Khagendra Jena.

Expert, Satyaranjan Das informed that the black rice is rich in vitamin B, E and works an anti-oxidant in the body.