Sitamarhi. Some farmers in Sitamarhi district of Bihar are known for their new experiments in farming. Here farmers are cultivating Kala Namak rice. This rice is full of medicinal and nutritional properties. Its consumption can prevent Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Rajesh Panjiyar, a farmer of Bhutahi village of Sonbarsa block of Sitamarhi, is now in the news due to the cultivation of Kala Namak rice. Earlier, he has cultivated black wheat. Kala Namak rice is a chemical grain which is rich in many nutrients. Rajesh says that vitamins, proteins, iron, calcium, carbohydrates and other nutrients are found in this rice, which are beneficial for health.

Its strong fragrance is special
Rajesh Panjiyar told that he has been cultivating black salt rice since last year. Inspired by him, this time around 50 farmers have started cultivating it. Currently, Rajesh is cultivating one acre. It requires about 20 kg of black paddy seeds. It takes about 90 to 110 days for the crop to be ready. The shape of this rice is like normal white rice. Strong aroma is its specialty. He advised the farmers to cultivate using organic methods.

400 to 800 per kg price
Rajesh got information about this rice from a retired scientist BN Singh. Now he is cultivating four varieties of it. These include Sambhasan, Kala Namak, Kala Namak Yearly and Kala Namak Dwarf variety. Normal rice is sold in India for Rs 30 per kg. The price of this rice is Rs 150 to Rs 200. There is a huge demand for black rice in urban and rural areas. Farmers get a good price. The market price of all these varieties of rice is Rs 400 to Rs 800 per kg.

Prevents Alzheimer's and cancer
Protein, iron and zinc are found in abundance in black rice, which is helpful in removing weakness of the body. Rice contains anti-oxidant elements like anthocyanin, which are beneficial for the heart. Consumption of black rice reduces blood disorders. Regularly eating black rice can be successful in preventing Alzheimer's disease. It is helpful in controlling diabetes, heart and fighting against cancer.

Tags: Health benefit, Healthy food, Local18