'Dia anna' draws the health conscious to rice mela

The ‘Dia anna’ a short for ‘rice for diabetics’, an indigenous rice variety from Nagarkoil in Tamil Nadu, has turned out to be a big hit among the crowds. The rice is rich in fibre, minerals and Vitamin B and E.

Originally known as ‘Thuruvai Kalangi’, this fibre-rich rice digests slowly and releases sugar into the blood at a slower pace than the normal rice.

Navara, another variety of rice which is said to cure circulatory, respiratory, digestive and nervous system ailments, is also sold here. The variety of rice is also believed to possess anti-carcinogenic properties.

With over 100 varieties of rice on display, the health conscious in the City were spoilt for choice.

Ramachandra Murthy, a senior technical officer from the Ministry of Defence who was inquiring about ‘Navara’ rice, said: “I heard it is effective in preventing cancer. I am here to buy it for one of my friends.”

Srivallu, another buyers, said she was particularly interested in buying the “diabetic rice”.

Krishna Prasad, convener of Sahaja Samrudha, said buyers were interested in rice varieties that have more nutritional value especially the Dia anna and Navara. “Some showed keen interest in other varieties like Karigajavali (a variety of black basmati), Karikalave and other local varieties here,” he said.

The event organised by City-based NGO Sahaja Samrudha in association with NABARD, Save Our Rice campaign and Pristine Organics is aimed at showcasing the rare varieties of nutritious red rice of the State.