Black rice - a hit among farmers and consumers

The initiative was taken by then union minister Maneka Gandhi, who, after the Niti Aayog marked the district as one of the underdeveloped districts of India, got seeds of 'Chakhao' (black rice) from Manipur.

Chandauli: Chandauli, known as the rice bowl of the Purvanchal, got more famous for growing black paddy after Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about the crop, which was started on an experimental basis to increase the income of the farmers.

The initiative was taken by the then union minister, Maneka Gandhi, who, after the Niti Aayog marked the district as one of the underdeveloped districts of India, got seeds of 'Chakhao' (black rice) from Manipur.

Ten farmers were chosen to grow the black rice for the time in the district after the new crop was introduced in the area some three years ago. The efforts of the district administration paid off as it proved beneficial for all. Presently, many farmers grow the crop, which is good for health.

In the meeting of the Niti Ayog, it was discussed that the soil, found in the district, was suitable to grow black rice in the region. Following which it was decided that the farmers there must be encouraged to grow black rice and the proposal was accepted the government officials concerned.

The selected farmers then were given 10 kilogrammes of seed from Manipur in 2018 and the experiment worked for all concerned.

The black rice crop produced here has met all standards of the International Rice Research Centre. Its team reached the district to check the quality of the crop as it was being harvested. It praised the crop, which turned out to be 34 quintel per hectare.

The crop of the black rice grown in the district in 2018 was used as seeds for the next one and some 250 farmers sow it in the following Kharif season which resulted in the storage of the black rice. The government then came up with its new breeds and efforts were made to market it properly. Following which the farmers got a good price and recognition for their crop.

The black rice of Chandauli had now become world-famous.

The scheme, which was aimed to double farmers' income, has proved a major success increasing their income manyfold.

In countries like Australia, Saudi Arab and many other nations of the world have shown interest in buying black rice from India.

Modi has lined the success of the new crop with the newly formed agriculture laws and said it has helped the farmers in earning well. The district administration is facilitating the farmers in every possible way even as its farming is spreading to new districts in the region.

The black rice is quite healthy as it has many health benefits. Over one thousand farmers are growing it in the current season. In order to ensure the demand for the product, the is leaving no stone unturned to market it.

Black rice is a source of iron, vitamin E and antioxidants. The outermost layer of the rice contains one of the highest levels of anthocyanins. It is known for curing diabetes and cancer.