Nellaiappar Rice is a cherished heirloom variety from Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, deeply rooted in the region's agrarian heritage. The name "Nellai" itself is derived from "Nellu," meaning paddy, reflecting the area's longstanding association with rice cultivation.

This particular variety was revitalized by heritage seed saver Lakshmi Devi, also known as Pothigai Uzhathi, who discovered 30-year-old seeds in her ancestral home in Valliyur. Through meticulous cultivation and successive seasons, she multiplied the seeds, leading to its current cultivation by several farmers across Ambasamudram taluk.

Nellaiappar Rice is a short-duration crop with small grains, making it ideal for climate resilience and everyday consumption. The rice is cultivated using traditional methods, including hand harvesting with sickles and threshing with pedal-operated threshers, emphasizing sustainable and decentralized farming practices.

By choosing Nellaiappar Rice, you're supporting the preservation of indigenous agricultural practices and contributing to a more sustainable food system.

Head to our blog : About Nellaiappar : Not the temple or the deity, the Rice