Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal

Tulaipanji Scented Rice

Tulaipanji (তুলাইপাঞ্জি) is an indigenous aromatic, non-basmati rice landrace of North Bengal that received a Geographical Indication tag in 2017. It is grown mainly in Raiganj subdivision of Uttar Dinajpur, with the Kushmandi block of Dakshin Dinajpur being the key cultivation pocket on the Dakshin Dinajpur side. The rice has a mild natural aroma, a soft fluffy texture and a rich taste that has made it a sought-after premium grain, often called 'the new basmati of Bengal'. Buyers get an authentic, GI-protected aromatic rice traditionally used in kheer, payesh and everyday meals.

Typical price: ₹80-250 per kg

Buying tip: Look for packs labelled Tulaipanji from Dakshin Dinajpur growers or local Balurghat market; it is also sold in small 1 kg packs through Bengal heritage online stores. Harvest is the boro (winter) season, so freshly harvested grain from local millers is the best buy.