In the heart of Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, rice cultivation is not just an agricultural practice but a deeply rooted tradition. Historically, Bastar was renowned for its vast diversity of rice varieties, with over 20,000 documented across the state. This rich tapestry of rice cultivation dates back centuries, with indigenous communities like the Gond tribals developing and conserving numerous traditional rice varieties through generations of careful selection and adaptation to the local environment.
One such variety is Basa Bhog, also known as Bastar Forest Rice. Cultivated by the Gond tribal communities and marginal farmers in Dantewada, this mildly aromatic, medium fine grain has been a part of the region’s agricultural heritage for generations. Grown in small patches and nurtured by a certified organic collective, this rice reflects a tradition of sustainable, natural farming.
Basa Bhog stands out for its delicate fragrance and texture and slender appearance. Basa Bhog is versatile in the kitchen, pairing beautifully with curries, elevating pulaos, or shining simply with a spoonful of ghee. But beyond its flavor and fluffiness, it offers the quiet assurance of a product that's both wholesome and rooted in centuries of mindful cultivation.