Palghar’s famous Wada Kolam rice gets GI tag

Farmers say the GI tag will prevent the sale of fake Wada Kolam. Representation pic

A variety of rice widely grown in Wada in Palghar district has been given a ‘Geographical Indication' tag, which will give it a unique identity as well as wider markets, a senior state agriculture official said on Sunday.

Divisional Agriculture Joint Director Ankush Mane said that Wada Kolam rice got the GI tag in a meeting held in Mumbai on September 29.

Wada Kolam, also known as Zini or Jhini rice, is a traditional variety grown in Wada tehsil of Palghar, with the grain being off white in colour. It commands a price of R 60-70 per kg in domestic markets and has a sizeable demand overseas as well, officials said.

Anil Patil, a third-generation Wada Kolam farmer, said some 2,500 people are engaged in cultivating this variety in 180 villages in Wada taluka. Farmers say the GI tag will prevent the sale of fake Wada Kolam. Rice grown in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka was misbranded as Wada Kolam.

Wada Kolam has been grown in Palghar for years. It is known for its small grain, aroma, taste and for being light for digestion. It is gluten free. However it is a low yielding crop.

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