Govindabhog, Tulaipanji among three Bengal rice varieties get UN heritage tag

Three traditional rice varieties from West Bengal, including the famous Govindabhog, have received international recognition from the United Nations, marking a significant moment for the state’s agricultural heritage. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared the development on social media on Wednesday, expressing pride and happiness over the global honour.

According to the Chief Minister, the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization has conferred a “heritage” food culture label on Bengal’s aromatic Govindabhog, Tulaipanji, and Kanakchur rice varieties. She dedicated the recognition to the people of rural Bengal, particularly the farmers whose efforts have preserved these indigenous crops over generations. Alongside the rice varieties, the state government’s flagship interdepartmental project ‘Matir Srishti’ has also received international recognition. The initiative focuses on making barren land cultivable in the western districts of the state through innovative agricultural practices.

The project was implemented jointly by the land, irrigation, and panchayat departments of the state government. Mamata Banerjee also shared the certificate awarded by the United Nations on social media, calling the recognition a matter of pride for West Bengal.