For Indians, rice is more than just a staple diet we consume daily, it is a part of our festivals, weddings, auspicious rituals and even as an offering to the deities. Signifying fertility and prosperity, rice has invariably become an integral part of the country.

Did you know that most rice varieties commercially available in markets do not possess even the required nutrients to keep us fit and healthy? This is where OOO farms — a farming community promoting native rice step in. Co-founded by Shailesh Awate and Shikha Kansagara, the community, on a mission to inform and educate the masses on various native rice types presents Akshat — A rendezvous with native rice of India.

A guest examines a Rice Diversity installation at Pune. PICS COURTESY/Ground Up