Postal stamps on Bhagalpur’s Jardalu mango, Katarni rice released

BHAGALPUR: The Department of Post on Friday released postal stamps on Jardalu mango and Katarni rice as philately as a mark of recognition to the two unique items of Bhagalpur region. The postal stamps will be sold by the Philately Bureau, officials said at a function held at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU).
Officials said the objective is to create awareness on the broader platform about the two extraordinary farming and agricultural products of Bhagalpur region.
Pawan Kumar, director of postal service (eastern region), said the stamps have been released to honour the farmers of the region. “The occasion is also to celebrate the unique products of Bhagalpur region. Both Jardalu mangoes and Katarni rice are agricultural legacy of the farming communities of this region,” Pawan said.
BAU vice-chancellor Arun Kumar said the Department of Post has taken a commendable step for the promotion of the Jardalu mangoes and Katarni rice of Bhagalpur. “The postal stamps will draw attention of people across the states and the world. The step would assist in finding a bigger platform and wider market network for the two products,” he said.
Jardalu mango received prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2018 due to its exceptional quality, sweetness and fragrance. The state government sends Jardalu mangoes as a gift to the country’s dignitaries, including the President of India, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Speakers, chief ministers and other VVVIPs every year.
Similarly, ‘Katarni rice’, exclusively grown in the villages under Jagdishpur block of Bhagalpur district and adjacent Rajoun block in Banka district of the state, has a unique aroma. It also received GI tag in 2018 for its exclusive quality.
Those who also spoke on the occasion included director (research) at BAU, Dr Feza Ahmed, senior professor Dr RR Singh, postal superintendent RP Prasad, Rohit Nandan, Vimaldeep Kumar, Sunil Kumar, GM of BSNL Mahesh Kumar besides several academics from BAU and officials from postal department and BSNL.