Manipur to Export White Sticky Rice to International Market

Manipur, known for its indigenous black sticky rice, Chakhao, is set to introduce its white sticky rice variety to the international market after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan for the trial export of 20 metric tonnes of the white sticky rice. This development comes after the successful export of its black sticky rice variety, which was awarded the Geographical Indication Tagging by the Government of India in 2020.

Key Takeaways:

• Manipur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan for the trial export of 20 metric tonnes of white sticky rice, also known as Chakhao.
• The white sticky rice variety remains unknown to the global market, despite being grown in Manipur for a long time, but is gaining interest from Southeast Asian countries for making sushi.
• The Agriculture Department of Manipur plans to expand cultivation areas and support farmers through subsidised inputs and modern facilities.
• Chakhao, the black sticky rice variety, was awarded the Geographical Indication Tagging by the Government of India in 2020.
• The 1st Bharat International Rice Conference, organised by APEDA, was attended by around 1,000 buyers from 80 countries.
• Chakhao is considered one of the healthiest super foods due to its medicinal and nutritional values, rich in antioxidants, protein, iron, fibre, and other essential nutrients.

Statistics:

• 20 metric tonnes of white sticky rice will be exported to Japan for trial purposes.
• 1,000 buyers from 80 countries attended the 1st Bharat International Rice Conference.
• 2020: The year when the Government of India awarded Chakchao (black variety) the Geographical Indication Tagging.

Sources:

• The Indian Express (P) Ltd Copyright 2025 IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., distributed by Contify.com