832 farmers cultivating Jeeraful paddy using natural farming methods; FPOs boost branding, packaging, and marketing
The traditional and aromatic Jeeraful rice from Koriya district is gaining a new identity through natural farming practices and the effective Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) model. Thanks to the efforts of the district administration and the Agriculture Department to promote local agricultural produce and provide better market access, the reach of Jeeraful rice is expanding far beyond local markets.Mr. Rajesh Bharti, Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department, stated that under the guidance of Collector Smt. Roktima Yadav, 832 farmers associated with FPOs in Koriya district are cultivating Jeeraful paddy using natural farming methods. Farmers are utilizing bio-based inputs such as *Jeevamrut* and *Beejamrut* in their cultivation. Emphasis is also being placed on establishing a distinct market identity for naturally cultivated Jeeraful paddy through quality assurance, certification, and superior packaging.
FPO: A Strong Link from Farm to Market
FPOs are playing a pivotal role in connecting farmers’ produce to organized markets, moving beyond mere production. Activities such as the aggregation, processing, branding, packaging, and marketing of Jeeraful rice are being promoted through the ‘Sonhat Gaurav Agrofed Krishak Utpadak Bahuddeshiya Sahakari Samiti Maryadit’ (a multi-purpose cooperative society). This enables farmers to collectively access markets and secure better prices for their produce.
A Complete Value Chain Established: From Natural Farming to Value Addition
The combination of natural farming, quality production, certification, attractive packaging, and FPO-led marketing has created a comprehensive value chain for Jeeraful rice—spanning from production and value addition to the final market. The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, has also commended the efforts regarding the natural cultivation of Jeeraful paddy and the FPO model in Koriya via the social media platform ‘X’. Efforts are underway to bring *Jeeraful* rice—cultivated through natural farming methods—to the market with PGS-Natural Farming certification. This is giving Korea’s traditional *Jeeraful* rice a new identity as a high-quality, natural product.
Chief Minister Appreciates Farmers’ Efforts
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has also commended the efforts of the district’s farmers regarding the national-level recognition being gained by Korea’s *Jeeraful* rice. This initiative—linking traditional agricultural produce with natural farming, FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations), and improved marketing—is opening up new markets and value-addition opportunities for the farmers.The Agriculture Department is providing continuous guidance to farmers on natural farming techniques, the production of bio-inputs, quality cultivation, and marketing through FPOs. The department’s objective is to secure better prices for farmers’ produce by providing an organized market for Korea’s local and traditional agricultural products.The identity of *Jeeraful* rice is now extending from the farm to the market, with FPOs emerging as a crucial link in this transformation.