A GI tag in 2019 and a semi-dwarf variety from an ICAR centre: Manipur's black rice

Background

Manipur's Chak-Hao has just taken a Global Excellence Award in the GI rice category at a national rice conference, so it helps to know what the rice is. Chakhao is the black scented rice of Manipur, known for a mild nutty taste, a distinct aroma and a deep purple colour when cooked, which comes from its high anthocyanin content. It is used in religious feasts and ceremonies, and it received a Geographical Indication tag in 2019. Its traditional landraces yield under 2.0 tonnes a hectare and grow over 150 cm tall, so the plants fall over easily. The ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill Region, Manipur Centre, developed the first high yielding semi-dwarf variety, named RC Manichakhao-1, under Dr Konsam Sarika, a Scientist in Genetics and Plant Breeding. It yields about 4.5 to 5.0 tonnes a hectare. The State Seed Sub-Committee for Agricultural Crops cleared it for release in Manipur, and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla introduced it.