Action plan in the works to promote nutritious black rice grown in the northeast

NEW DELHI: White rice may rule the domestic and international markets with the famous 'Basmati' variety occupying a special pride of place, but in the near future it is black rice from the northeast that may win hearts of consumers due to its nutritional value and health benefits.

Black rice is mainly grown and consumed in Manipur where it is called `Chakhao'. Famous for its pleasant nutty flavor, this little known rice variety has, however, started entering the world market through China which cultivates it both for local consumption and export.

Waking up to the need to promote the variety which already has a market in USA, Australia and European countries, India's premier agricultural research institute is set to suggest an action plan to the government on how to promote black rice and other varieties. The plan is expected to not only earn foreign exchange for the country but also improve the condition of farmers in the northeast and elsewhere. Setting the stage for such a move, chief of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Trilochan Mohapatra on Friday asked eminent scientists here at a conference on World Food Day whether they (scientists) were leaving out other regions (non-Basmati producing areas) in their research.

Head of IARI's genetics division, A K Singh, admitted the importance of promoting other unique variety like black rice as well for larger interest of farmers in different regions. Singh told TOI: "Black rice has medicinal value. Being rich in disease-fighting antioxidants, it is anti-cancerous as well".