West Bengal is preparing to tap the export potential of its four Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged aromatic rice varieties — Gobindobhog, Tulaipanji, Kalonunia and Radhunipagal — through the establishment of two large-scale processing hubs, expanded cultivation and research to improve their nutritional properties.
The state government is also exploring genetic research to enhance the nutritional value of these traditional rice varieties and lower their glycaemic index, while working with the Centre to develop export opportunities.
Agriculture Minister Dudh Kumar Mondal recently held a meeting in New Delhi with leading rice millers and representatives of basmati rice export companies to discuss commercialisation, export facilitation and increasing paddy production to improve farmers’ incomes. Discussions have also been held with the India Gate brand regarding exports.
“The meeting in Delhi was held to explore commercialisation, facilitate exports and increase paddy production to improve farmers’ earnings. Centre has assured all possible cooperation,” Mondal said.
A delegation from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), led by Gopal Krishnan, head of its genetics division, is expected to visit West Bengal to assess the potential for further developing these varieties. Agricultural scientist A K Singh is serving as an adviser to the initiative.
Two processing hubs planned
The first phase of the initiative envisages setting up two large rice processing centres in East Bardhaman and North Dinajpur. The facilities are expected to provide the infrastructure needed to process, package and prepare the aromatic varieties for wider commercial distribution and export markets.
The government is also planning to introduce new high-yielding seed varieties to expand cultivation and increase production.
Production potential of four GI-tagged varieties
West Bengal’s four aromatic rice varieties have distinct cultivation areas and production profiles.
– Gobindobhog: Cultivated across approximately 50,000 hectares in East Bardhaman, West Bardhaman, Bankura, Hooghly and North 24 Parganas, the variety has an estimated annual production of 1.12 lakh metric tonnes.
– Tulaipanji: Primarily grown in South Dinajpur, it covers around 9,000 hectares and produces approximately 18,000 metric tonnes annually.
– Kalonunia: Cultivated across nearly 1,500 hectares in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, the Siliguri subdivision and Kalimpong, it generates an estimated 3,000 metric tonnes annually.
– Radhunipagal: Grown across approximately 200 hectares in south Bengal, the variety has an estimated annual production of 400 metric tonnes.
Cultivation expansion under RKVY
Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), around 1.73 lakh hectares have so far been brought under aromatic rice cultivation in West Bengal, with production exceeding 3.89 lakh metric tonnes, according to official figures.
For the 2026–27 financial year, the state plans to bring an additional 15,148 hectares under these varieties.
The proposed processing infrastructure, expansion of cultivation and research into improved seed varieties are expected to strengthen the commercial potential of Bengal’s traditional aromatic rice. The initiative also aims to create better market access for farmers by connecting regional varieties with domestic and international buyers.
With GI recognition providing a distinct identity to these rice varieties, the state is seeking to build a stronger value chain around them, combining agricultural expansion, scientific research and export-oriented processing.