Kolkata: The state Agricultural Marketing department is planning to introduce e-nose facility in its state-of-the-art quality control laboratory at Singur to ensure quality of aromatic rice variety in the state.
"Presently, there is no standardised procedure of assessing quality of aromatic rice. Through our sense of smell we check the rice before purchasing it. With the introduction of e-nose facility, we will be able to have a standardised measurement of the quality of rice. It will serve as an important medium to ensure the quality of rice," a senior official of Agri Marketing department said.
Citing an example of how the e-nose technology will work, the official said that Kalo Nunia rice is recognised by its mild smell while Gobindobhog rice is known for its strong smell. Now, with the technology, the quality parameter of the aromatic rice can be assessed.
Another technology named Pulse View will also be introduced in the laboratory for assessing the quality of pulse. "We will be able to make the correct assessment of the quality of pulses," the official said. Vegetables, rice pulses will be tested in the laboratory before being sent to the Sufal Bangla outlets in the city. "Our aim is to ensure that the best quality products are sold in Sufal Bangla outlets and the mobile vans that travel across the city," state Agricultural Marketing minister Tapan Dasgupta said.
The state agriculture department is encouraging farmers to cultivate extinct varieties of rice and is chalking out plans to create a market for them. It is trying to revive forgotten varieties of aromatic rice like Radha Tilak, Kala Bhat, Dudheshwar, Hamai, Jhumpuri, Khara and Balam, to name a few with technical support from the state government's agricultural training centre in Phulia in Nadia.
The Mamata Banerjee-government is trying to bring back traditional aromatic varieties of rice by using natural methods. The use of chemicals to enhance production is discouraged because, in the long run, it will badly affect the environment, including the quality of the soil.