Chhattisgarh, traditionally know as the rice bowl of India. Zeeraphool is a small size variety with an appearance of Cumin (Jeera) and hence known as Zeeraphool. Zeeraphool rice is used to prepare Kheer (rice has a creamy texture and does not require additional flavouring) and basi bhat (a local dish prepared by the tribes of Surguja. The flour of Zeeraphool rice is very smooth and a dough made from it is used to make local dishes like chausela, anarsa, fara, chawal, roti and cheela.