Manipur is set to introduce another variety of Chakhao (white sticky rice) to the international market after successfully exporting its indigenous black sticky rice.
The Department of Agriculture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan for the trial export of 20 metric tonnes of the white sticky rice. The pact was signed during the 1st Bharat International Rice Conference organised by APEDA at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on October 30 to 31.
Peter Salam, Director of the Agriculture Department of Manipur, said that the international rice conference was attended by around 1,000 buyers from 80 countries.
Chakhao is a Black Rice variety grown in Manipur. It is glutinous rice with a pleasant aroma and nutty flavour. It is considered one of the healthiest super foods due to several medicinal and nutritional values, rich in antioxidants, protein, iron, fibre and other essential nutrients.
The Government of India awarded Chakchao (black variety) the Geographical Indication Tagging in 2020.
Salam said unlike the popularity of black variety, the white sticky rice remains unknown to the global market. “Even as the white Chakhao has been around for a long time, it remains unknown to the outside world. However, a few Southeast Asian countries are showing their interest, owing to their stickiness and flavour, to be experimented with for making sushi,” he said.
He said the reason why it remained elusive is due to a lack of motivation amongst the farmers. However, he said the agriculture department is dedicated to expanding cultivation areas and supporting farmers through subsidised inputs and modern facilities.