Why Did Farmers Stop Growing Kala Namak Rice?
Farmers stopped growing Kala Namak rice after the Green Revolution. The variety was seen as low-yielding, pest-prone, and difficult to sell in bulk markets. Government policies favored high-yield hybrid rice like IR8, leaving traditional varieties behind.
Without proper storage, branding, or price support, Kala Namak cultivation declined rapidly. Additionally, the lack of consumer awareness made it hard to market the product outside local markets.
Today, with increasing health awareness and GI tagging, Kala Namak is making a comeback. Revival depends on strong branding, natural farming, and consumer education.