Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal

Local Paddy and Mustard (District Agricultural Produce)

Dakshin Dinajpur is predominantly an agricultural district drained by the Atrai, Purnabhaba, Tangon and Jamuna rivers, and paddy remains its principal crop alongside mustard, potato and wheat. Around three dozen rice mills run in the district, and the Hili Land Port on the Bangladesh border channels N.B. rice, onion, wheat and maize across the border, making the district a live node of border agriculture. Buyers in Balurghat market get unpolished or lightly milled local paddy, mustard for oil and fresh border-market vegetables at village prices. It is the everyday agricultural produce that underpins the district's economy.

Typical price: ₹30-80 per kg

Buying tip: Buy paddy and mustard at the Balurghat market or from rice-mill outlets where local varieties change with the season. For the premium aromatic grain, specifically ask for Tulaipanji from Kushmandi block growers.