About Chokuwa rice:
- It is also known as Magic rice cultivated in Assam.
- It is a part of Assam's culinary heritage; this unique rice has been a staple of the troops of the mighty Ahom dynasty.
- This unique and healthy rice is cultivated around the Brahmaputra River area.(In several parts of Assam like Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, etc.)
- It is basically semi-glutinous winter rice, known as Sali rice.
- The sticky and glutinous variety is categorised as Bora and Chokuwa based on their amylose concentration.
- The low amylase Chokuwa rice variants are used to make soft rice, which is known as Komal Chaul or soft rice.
- This whole grain can be consumed after soaking the rice in cold or lukewarm water. This rice variety is widely consumed for its convenience of preparation and nutritional value.
- This unique rice variety is consumed with curd, sugar, jaggery, and bananas to name a few.
- This rice is also used in making several Assamese delights like Pithe and other local dishes.
What is a Geographical Indication Tag?
- It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
- This GI tag is valid for 10 years, following which it can be renewed.
