27-10-2020
I had a conversation with wheat in my kitchen this week, as we are moving towards concluding the first part of the studio. The wheat in my kitchen is becoming more and more spooky. One day I was tired of doing all the readings, so I decided to have a conversation with the wheat. I went to it and asked:
Me: Hey, tell me how authentic you are? I am tired of reading about you now.
Wheat: I am the most authentic grain you can ever get.
Me: Such a confidence, what is the proof of your authenticity?
It countered me back….
Wheat: Ever wondered why roti & bhakhri from my flour is as sweet as honey.
Me: I have noticed it, but I have never wondered about it. But what it has to do with authenticity?
Wheat: Everything. Have you ever heard of GI tag? I have been awarded it.
Me: Ummmmm…. No I guess. What is it?
Wheat: Huh! search by yourself, I am never going to tell you. I am feeding you since your birth and you still don’t know such a thing about me.
You won’t even be knowing my name, right?
Me: No, I do know your name, you are called “Bhalia Wheat”. Give me some time I will look for what is GI tag.
After few hours…..
Wheat: Ohhh hello, where did you went kept me waiting.
Me: Sorry I got lost in doing the research. I found out that a geographical indication (GI) is given to the products with specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. You have been provided with a GI tag as there are proofs of your origin and cultivation in Bhal region of Gujarat, even before independence. That is impressive.
Wheat: Haha, yes it is! Do you know the process of my production?
Me: Ummm…. Let me think. I have observed it when I was younger as my grandfather used to take me to the fields.
Wheat: Remember it then.
Me: Ohh yes, you are produced without use of any fertilizers or pesticide or irrigation just based on the conserved soil moisture, this means you are organic. Aha…
Wheat: Yes, do you remember how am I improved to better suit the geographical condition, are you aware of that process?
Me: Ohhhh yes, I remember my grandfather asking the farmer to preserve best quality seeds for sowing next year, this is the traditional method of farming I guess, right?
Wheat: Yes, it is. Do you know the term that is used for my type of variety?
Me: Ummm….., No. Please tell me.
Wheat: I am one of the earliest landrace variety of wheat known as “T. Durum” that have origin in Bhal region of Gujarat and have been improved traditionally through each year of farmers choice. I am a fruit of farmers long conducted ecological processes of improvement.
Me: That is interesting, never heard of this before.
Wheat: Yes, I am locally used for making of “Roti” and “Bhakhari” that you eat, but commercially I am used for making Suji, Rawa (medo), ladu, Semya & Macaroni. You know most of my stepbrothers are a product of lab, but here I am all born and grown up in a lapse of nature.
Do you still doubt my authenticity?
Me: Sorry for doubting about it. I guess all reading about GMO’s and looking at unsustainable ways of farming led me to this question. I will take a pride from now on whenever I will be discussing about you with my friends.
Thank you for all this information. I would have never known about it otherwise.
Crafted Blueprints 