Kaima 'trouble'; What is happening to popular Kozhikode biryani?

KOZHIKODE: Kaima rice, the key ingredient behind the mouthwatering Kozhikode Dum Biriyani and Neychooru, is soaring in price like never before. The rice, which used to be Rs 85-90 per kg, is now being sold at Rs 210. In the last three months alone, a Rs 110 hike was made for the rice brand.

Kaima rice comes to Kerala from Bardhaman in Bengal. The waning production owing to natural disasters and the dip in exports to foreign countries are behind the sudden price hike. Due to the shortage, hoteliers and chefs are now preferring other rice brands to prepare the most sought-after dishes, including the famous Kozhikode Biryani.

The unavailability of coconut husk, the fuel for biryani, is also a problem. Coconut husk is fetching more than Rs 20 per kg. Agents from Tamil Nadu will resell it for up to Rs 33 per kg. There are also active groups that collect coconut husk from homes to send it abroad for profit.

“Biryani and ghee rice made with Kaima rice can be stored for a long time without any change in taste or quality.” Gokul Das Olavanna, District Secretary, Malabar Cooking and Catering Workers Union.