Chakhao : Heritage rice with high-value potential
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Sai Santak Pattanaik
“The future of sustainable agriculture lies in rediscovering the strength of traditional crops.”
Indigenous crop varieties have long sustained rural livelihoods, cultural traditions, and regional food systems. Among these, Chakhao, the black scented rice of Manipur, represents a valuable resource with strong nutritional, economic, and cultural significance. With its distinctive aroma, dark pigmentation, and health-promoting properties, Chakhao is gaining recognition as a premium specialty rice of North-East India.
In Manipur, Chakhao is more than a food crop; it is an integral part of social and cultural life. It is commonly prepared during festivals, ceremonial occasions, and traditional celebrations. The recognition of Chakhao under the Geographical Indication (GI) system has strengthened its identity and improved its visibility in high-end markets. Growing consumer interest in natural and health-oriented foods has further expanded its demand in urban and specialty segments.
Cultivation of Chakhao is largely practiced by small and marginal farmers under rainfed conditions using traditional methods. Although productivity is relatively lower than improved rice varieties, the crop fetches a significantly higher price in the market. Economic assessments indicate that farmers can achieve better profitability when supported by organized marketing systems and well-structured value chains.
The nutritional superiority of Chakhao adds to its commercial importance. It contains high levels of anthocyanins, natural antioxidants, iron, and dietary fibre, making it suitable for health-conscious consumers. The crop also offers considerable opportunities for value addition through products such as traditional desserts, processed foods, bakery items, and ready-to-cook formulations. Proper branding and product development can enhance market reach and increase farm-level income.
However, several challenges limit the expansion of Chakhao cultivation. These include inadequate access to quality planting material, limited adoption of improved production practices, poor post-harvest infrastructure, and weak market connectivity. In many cases, the presence of multiple intermediaries reduces the price realized by farmers. Strengthening farmer collectives, improving storage and processing facilities, and promoting direct marketing channels can improve the efficiency of the value chain.
Encouraging the cultivation of Chakhao also contributes to the conservation of indigenous genetic diversity and supports resilient farming systems suited to local agro-climatic conditions. As dietary preferences shift towards nutrient-rich and specialty foods, traditional varieties like Chakhao offer new opportunities for crop diversification and sustainable income generation.
Given the increasing demand for functional foods and premium agricultural products, Chakhao has the potential to evolve from a traditional regional crop into a high-value commodity. With appropriate institutional support, technological improvement, and market integration, this heritage rice can strengthen farmer livelihoods while preserving the agricultural
legacy of North-East
India.
“The future of sustainable agriculture lies in rediscovering the strength of traditional crops.”
Indigenous crop varieties have long sustained rural livelihoods, cultural traditions, and regional food systems. Among these, Chakhao, the black scented rice of Manipur, represents a valuable resource with strong nutritional, economic, and cultural significance. With its distinctive aroma, dark pigmentation, and health-promoting properties, Chakhao is gaining recognition as a premium specialty rice of North-East India.
In Manipur, Chakhao is more than a food crop; it is an integral part of social and cultural life. It is commonly prepared during festivals, ceremonial occasions, and traditional celebrations. The recognition of Chakhao under the Geographical Indication (GI) system has strengthened its identity and improved its visibility in high-end markets. Growing consumer interest in natural and health-oriented foods has further expanded its demand in urban and specialty segments.
Cultivation of Chakhao is largely practiced by small and marginal farmers under rainfed conditions using traditional methods. Although productivity is relatively lower than improved rice varieties, the crop fetches a significantly higher price in the market. Economic assessments indicate that farmers can achieve better profitability when supported by organized marketing systems and well-structured value chains.
The nutritional superiority of Chakhao adds to its commercial importance. It contains high levels of anthocyanins, natural antioxidants, iron, and dietary fibre, making it suitable for health-conscious consumers. The crop also offers considerable opportunities for value addition through products such as traditional desserts, processed foods, bakery items, and ready-to-cook formulations. Proper branding and product development can enhance market reach and increase farm-level income.
However, several challenges limit the expansion of Chakhao cultivation. These include inadequate access to quality planting material, limited adoption of improved production practices, poor post-harvest infrastructure, and weak market connectivity. In many cases, the presence of multiple intermediaries reduces the price realized by farmers. Strengthening farmer collectives, improving storage and processing facilities, and promoting direct marketing channels can improve the efficiency of the value chain.
Encouraging the cultivation of Chakhao also contributes to the conservation of indigenous genetic diversity and supports resilient farming systems suited to local agro-climatic conditions. As dietary preferences shift towards nutrient-rich and specialty foods, traditional varieties like Chakhao offer new opportunities for crop diversification and sustainable income generation.
Given the increasing demand for functional foods and premium agricultural products, Chakhao has the potential to evolve from a traditional regional crop into a high-value commodity. With appropriate institutional support, technological improvement, and market integration, this heritage rice can strengthen farmer livelihoods while preserving the agricultural
legacy of North-East
India.