Odisha

The state of Odisha lies in the tropical zone and enjoys equable temperatures. Rice predominates in these lower, wetter areas of east India, where the climate is ideal for its cultivation. Sugar cane, coconuts and turmeric are the other main crops. However, the state is frequently hit by calamities such as cyclones, floods and droughts, which badly affect people’s livelihoods as well as threatening their lives, as the population relies heavily on agriculture.

The long coastline at the northern edge of the Bay of Bengal means that fish and shellfish are a major part of the diet, often cooked in fragrant coconut-based sauces. During the heat of the summer, a delicious cool dish consisting of fermented rice and yogurt is a great favourite as it helps to lower the body temperature.