In the Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh (UP), black salt rice grain was selected under the ODOP program in 2018. This initiative has proven to be a true blessing for local farmers.
Previously, farmers were forced to seek buyers, selling the black salt rice grain at a price of 60–70 rupees per kilogram. After being included in the ODOP program, the government conducted extensive promotion of the rice's properties, which significantly increased demand. Today, the price reaches 180–200 rupees per kilogram, and it is becoming difficult to find.
Earlier, government officials were the only ones purchasing this rice, but now traders are signing contracts with farmers even at the sowing stage, providing advance payments. Furthermore, since this rice has a low glycemic index, it can be consumed by people with diabetes.
The Department of Entrepreneurship also encourages the creation of products from this rice by providing subsidized grants. As a result, cookie and confectionery production from black salt rice has begun in the district. New entrepreneurs purchase it from farmers, package it, and sell it in large cities and through online platforms.
If rice was cultivated on an area of only 2000 hectares in 2017, due to the growing demand, it is now cultivated on 18 thousand hectares, and there is a need to increase the production area.
Ajay Rawat, one of the beneficiaries, noted that the 'Buddha Doelts Van District Van Product' program has been a good government initiative. He stated that they have been cultivating black salt rice for about three generations, and after its inclusion in ODOP in 2018, opportunities for export to national and international markets opened up for them.
Under this program, they have also developed value-added products, including zinc and protein-enriched medicinal cookies. Ajay added that he received a grant of 2.6 million rupees from the Siddharthnagar district Industries Department. He used this grant to participate in fairs and festivals across the state and abroad, promoting his product and expressing gratitude to the government for providing the platform.
He emphasized that before 2018, the market was undeveloped, and they were unaware of the rice's health benefits, including its low glycemic index. Thanks to the government, they learned about this, and the market grew. What was previously not valued even at 50–60 rupees is now sold for 200 rupees per kilogram, which is the credit of ODOP and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Pankaj Chaube, a farmer, said that the situation was very difficult before; then, he could barely sell it for 5000–6000 rupees per quintal, whereas now he sells it for 20 thousand rupees per quintal. Significant changes have occurred since the implementation of the ODOP program in 2018, and this is a big victory for Siddharthnagar. He noted that rice from the Alidapur area is considered the best, and that previously, when the British ruled here, local achievements were not attained. Now, black salt rice has become the pride of the district.
Mohit, another farmer, explained that they have been cultivating black salt rice for a long time, and even their grandfathers planted it, but back then, demand was low, and it was sold at prices of 35–45 rupees. With the launch of the 'One District - One Product' program, people started booking the harvest even at the planting stage, offering advance payments. Mohit noted that thanks to this ambitious program, the cultivation of black salt rice in the Alidapur belt became known, and doctors are now talking about its features. Farmers feel energized, and the rice is becoming known abroad.