Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal

Tulaipanji Aromatic Rice

Tulaipanji is an indigenous, slender short-grain aromatic rice landrace grown mainly in the Raiganj subdivision (with pockets in Islampur) of Uttar Dinajpur and is granted Geographical Indication protection; it is also promoted as the district's One District One Product. The rice has a sweet, strong aroma that survives popping and cooking, and it is prized for payesh, pulao and as a premium heritage grain. It is sold as milled rice under GI/heritage branding, including by online sellers of Bengal aromatic rices. Buyers get a rare North Bengal heritage grain with a documented GI pedigree.

Typical price: ₹50-300 per kg

Buying tip: Look for packaging that mentions Tulaipanji or the 'Bengal Aromatic Rice' heritage branding and a GI mark; it is sold through district ODOP channels and online retailers such as Viand. Treat it like a short-grain rice — it suits payesh, pulao and kheer-style dishes.