Ready to cook without boiling water! Assam’s ‘magic rice’ now grows in Palakkad
Palakkad: Agonibora rice, known as ‘Magic Rice’ for its unique ability to cook without boiling water, has successfully been cultivated in Palakkad.
The rice, which can be cooked by soaking in cold water for just 30-45 minutes, is cultivated by the Athachi Group’s farm in Elappully, located in Palakkad.
The rice, a variety from Assam’s western region, requires no heat to cook and is ready in half an hour if soaked in cold water, or just 15 minutes in hot water. The crop has flourished in Palakkad’s climate, according to Athachi Group’s Chairman Raju Subramanian, Vice Chairperson Deepa Subramanian, and MD Vishwanathan.
The cultivation began in June, and the harvest was completed recently. The seeds were imported from Assam and planted on 12 cents of land using organic farming methods. The seeds were germinated and planted 20 days later, after applying Panchagavya (a traditional organic fertilizer) to the ploughed soil. Despite minor pest issues, the use of organic pesticides like neem oil helped protect the crop. The rice plants grow to a height of about three feet, and the crop is harvested in 100-110 days.
From a 12-cent plot, 170 kilograms of Agonibora rice were harvested.
This rice is particularly valuable for use in emergencies or disaster situations, as it can be cooked without heat, offering convenience and ease. Following the success of this trial, the farm plans to expand cultivation and market the rice in the upcoming season.
Rice museum holds 37 varieties of rice
In addition to Agonibora, the Athachi Group’s farm has also cultivated 37 varieties of rice from across India and beyond, including Manipur’s Black Rice, Assam’s Joha, Thailand’s Jasmine Rice, and several traditional Kerala varieties. These rice varieties are preserved at the farm’s “Rice Museum.”
