Red rice is a unique variety of rice that is cultivated at altitudes between 1500 m to 2500 m in Uttarakhand. Our red rice has been grown under natural conditions. After harvest it is sun-driedand minimally processed to ensure more nutrient and vitamin contents.

Red rice derives its red colour from antioxidants called anthocyanins that are considered beneficial in fighting free radicals in the body. Red rice has a high nutritional value and is a good source of vitamin B. It is also beneficial in controlling cholesterol and diabetes.

Apart from being an integral part of the staple diet in Uttarakhand, it is also found to be good for south Indian preparations like dosa, idli, appam, puttu etc.

Our red rice has been sourced from hill villages in Sarju (also known as Saryu) valley of Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The river rises at a place known as Sarmul (or Sarmool), positioned on the southern slope of the famous peak Nanda Kot. It has been cultivated by members of our women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and collected from the SHGs by our women’s Cooperatives. The Cooperative is also named Sarmool JICA Self-reliant Cooperative, Kapkot, Bageshwar, the place of origin of the river Saryu.