A farming community in Mumbai strives to reintroduce once-existing native rice varieties back on plates, and advocate its nutritional benefits at an awareness programme
Five different varieties of harvested rice on display. PIC COURTESY/Ooo Farms
For Indians, rice is more than just a staple diet we consume daily, it is a part of our festivals, weddings, auspicious rituals and even as an offering to the deities. Signifying fertility and prosperity, rice has invariably become an integral part of the country.
Did you know that most rice varieties commercially available in markets do not possess even the required nutrients to keep us fit and healthy? This is where OOO farms — a farming community promoting native rice step in. Co-founded by Shailesh Awate and Shikha Kansagara, the community, on a mission to inform and educate the masses on various native rice types presents Akshat — A rendezvous with native rice of India.
A guest examines a Rice Diversity installation at Pune. PICS COURTESY/Ground Up
A two-hour workshop will engage in an insightful dialogue on native rice varieties and its plethora of benefits. The key speaker for the event will be Awate, who will showcase the grains. “We will also offer five scrumptious dishes made from each variety such as White Idiyappam, Ragi Laddoo and Ghavna Dosa made in the mountainous regions to name a few,” he states.
Guests at Bhatachi Pangat during a session in Pune
A celebration of native rice, these magic grains are abundant in nutrition, and has the ability to strengthen the bones, improve eyesight and much more. “Ask any nutritionist today, and they will ask you to avoid rice, which is partially right, since hybrid, or commercially available rice are polished in nature and contains starch and devoid of essential nutrients. Rice is not an enemy, we have made it one,” explains Awate.
Shailesh Awate
From collecting native rice seeds, distributing to farmers free of cost, to observing and monitoring its growth and selling at least 60 to 70 varieties in the market, Akshat is not a mere awareness programme, it is a revolution in itself.
On July 19; 4 pm to 6 pm
At Food Square, Linking Road, Santacruz West.
Log on to ooofarms.com
Entry Rs 1000
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