WHY ARE FARMERS LEAVING THE CULTIVATION OF GOVIND BHOG RICE, OFFERED TO LORD RAM IN AYODHYA

WHY ARE FARMERS LEAVING THE CULTIVATION OF GOVIND BHOG RICE, OFFERED TO LORD RAM IN AYODHYA

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RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA---------------------------The famous Govind Bhog rice grown in Mokri village of the district is famous not only regionally but also across the country for its fragrance and quality. The special thing is that in Ayodhya, Shri Ram Chandra is also offered this rice. But, the situation is now becoming difficult for these farmers. Due to the shortage of urea fertilizer and not getting a fair price, they have started shying away from cultivating Govind Bhog rice.

Mokri farmers say that a major problem in the cultivation of Govind Bhog rice is the lack of urea fertilizer. When fertilizer is needed in the fields, the fertilizer is not available in the proper amount, which leads to a decline in production. Earlier Govind Bhog rice was cultivated in 100 hectares, but now it has been reduced to only 25 hectares. Farmers say that if the government had paid attention to the cultivation of Govind Bhog rice like Makhana, they would have been prosperous.

After cultivating rice, farmers do not get a fair price according to their cost. As soon as the rice is ready, its price is only Rs 40 per kg, while the same rice is sold by middlemen in the market for up to Rs 150. Seeing this, disappointment is increasing among the farmers. Despite this, the State Cooperative Department also does not buy this rice, due to which the farmers are not able to benefit.

The specialty of Govind Bhog rice is that when it is cooked, its fragrance spreads in the surrounding air, which makes it special. This rice becomes even more fragrant due to the herb-rich land and rain water of Mokri area. This rice is famous for its fragrance and mild taste all over the country. Every year Govind Bhog rice is sent from Kaimur to Ayodhya, where it is offered to Shri Ram Chandra.

Farmers are now shying away from cultivating Govind Bhog rice, because the production of this rice costs more and they do not get a fair price due to middlemen. Farmers like Omkar Nath Patel, Sanjay Singh and Vipin Singh say that Gobind Bhog rice is the only crop in their fields, and by the time the rice is ready, the problem of fertilizer shortage and cost increases further. If they get help from the government, they would like to continue cultivating this rice.

If the government paid as much attention to Gobind Bhog rice cultivation as it does to Makhana cultivation, then the farmers would get the right price for their hard work. The farmers of Mokri are now forced to cultivate other varieties of rice.