Kalanamak rice production in Siddharthnagar rises more than fivefold since 2018, while prices climb from ₹40 to ₹150 per kg

Key Highlight: The number of farmers cultivating Kalanamak paddy has increased from 2,915 in 2018 to 23,000 in 2024, supported by improved varieties, processing infrastructure, branding and export promotion.

The cultivation of Kalanamak rice, a traditional aromatic rice variety associated with eastern Uttar Pradesh, is gaining momentum as government-backed interventions improve productivity, processing and market access.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, production of Kalanamak rice in Siddharthnagar district has increased more than fivefold between 2018 and 2025. Its sale price has also risen sharply from ₹40 per kg in 2018 to ₹150 per kg in 2026, resulting in profitability more than three times that of normal rice.

The growth has encouraged more farmers to take up the specialty crop, with the number of Kalanamak cultivators rising from 2,915 in 2018 to 23,000 in 2024.

Government Support Strengthens Kalanamak Value Chain

Both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments are supporting Kalanamak growers through financial assistance, technology, processing infrastructure and marketing initiatives.

Under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) and the state’s One District One Product (ODOP) Margin Money Scheme, individual micro-enterprises and Farmer Producer Organisations setting up Kalanamak processing or milling units can receive credit-linked capital subsidies of up to 35%, capped at ₹10 lakh.

A Common Facility Centre in Siddharthnagar has also been established under ODOP. The facility is designed to provide farmers and local enterprises with modern processing, packaging and export-support capabilities.

The government is additionally promoting the Kalanamak brand through events such as Kalanamak Mahotsavs, helping position the rice as a premium regional specialty.

New Varieties Aim to Improve Productivity

Research institutions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are working on the development and conservation of Kalanamak varieties.

Six improved varieties have been released and notified, including Kalanamak KN3, Bauna Kalanamak 101, Bauna Kalanamak 102, Kalanamak Kiran, Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1 and Pusa CRD Kalanamak 2.

The newer dwarf, high-yielding varieties Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1 and Pusa CRD Kalanamak 2 have an average yield of around 4.5 tonnes per hectare, compared with approximately 2.5 tonnes per hectare for traditional varieties.

During 2021-22 to 2025-26, around 389.6 quintals of quality Kalanamak seed were produced and distributed to farmers. Breeder seed production is also being maintained at approximately 15-20 quintals annually to support further multiplication.

Export Push Positions Kalanamak as Premium “Buddha Rice”

The government is also seeking to expand Kalanamak’s presence in international markets through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Regional FPOs are being connected with international buyers, with export shipments reaching markets including Singapore and Nepal.

Kalanamak is also being promoted under the branding “Buddha Rice”, leveraging its cultural association with Buddhist heritage to target premium markets in countries such as Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Myanmar.

Siddharthnagar and neighbouring Terai districts have been integrated into APEDA’s Agri-Export Zone framework for specialty rice, facilitating support for export packaging, residue testing and quarantine compliance.

Heritage Rice Gains Commercial Potential

The Kalanamak story illustrates how traditional and geographically associated food products can move from local agricultural heritage to premium, export-oriented markets.

For farmers, higher prices, improved varieties and processing facilities can create greater value retention at the local level. For the food and hospitality industry, the growing recognition of Kalanamak could create opportunities for premium regional cuisine, specialty rice products, gourmet menus and destination-linked food experiences in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

The combination of GI-linked identity, improved productivity, local processing, branding and export promotion could further strengthen Kalanamak’s position as a high-value Indian specialty rice.