Marcha rice is a variety of non-Basmati, short-grained aromatic rice mainly grown in the Indian state of Bihar. It is a common and widely cultivated crop in Ramnagar, Gaunaha, Mainatand, Chanpatiya, Narkatiyaganj and Lauriya blocks of West Champaran district.[1]
| Marcha rice (मर्चा चावल) | |
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
| Alternative names | Mircha, Marchaiya, and Maricha |
| Description | Marcha rice is an aromatic rice cultivated in Bihar |
| Type | Aromatic rice |
| Area | West Champaran district |
| Country | India |
| Registered | 31 July 2023 |
| Official website | ipindia.gov.in |
Under its Geographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Marcha Rice".[2]
Name
editThe name "Marcha" is derived from the grain's resemblance to black pepper as in the state language of Hindi, pepper is called Marcha (मर्चा चावल).[3][4][5] It is also locally known as Mircha, Marchaiya, and Maricha.
Description
editList of characteristics and facts about Marcha Rice:[6]
Characteristics
edit- This rice variety has a unique aroma in plants, grains, and flakes. It offers palatability and produces high-quality aromatic rice flakes which are soft and sweet. The husk is dark brown and the grain shape is oval, short and bold, with a 100-grain weight of 1.6-2.2g. The crop has a pale-green color, broader leaves and more vigorous growth.
Cultivation
edit- This rice variety is suitable for clay and clay loam soil, and uses organic manures for nutrients.
Agro-climatic Impact
edit- This rice variety develops a unique aroma due to specific agro-climatic conditions, particularly in blocks along the Budhi-Gandak (Sikarahna) River. The soil is enriched with minerals from runoff water from the Himalayan terrain enriches the soil with minerals. A microclimate with low temperatures during October-November enhances aroma development. The aroma is present in the field from the seedling to the flowering stage.
Disease Resistance
edit- No major disease infestation recorded in Marcha rice.
Geographical indication
editIt was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry, under the Union Government of India, on 31 July 2023 and is valid until 28 November 2031.[7][2]
Marcha Dhan Utpadak Pragatisheel Samuh from Mainatand, proposed the GI registration of Marcha rice. After filing the application in November 2021, the rice was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Marcha rice" exclusive to the rice grown in the region.[8][9][10] It thus became the second rice variety from Bihar after Katarni rice and the 23rd type of goods from Bihar to earn the GI tag. The GI tag protects the rice from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.
References
edit- ^ Jan 18, PTILast Updated (18 January 2023). "Bihar to launch conservation plan to protect 'Marcha rice', 'Govind Bhog', 'Sona Chur'". The Economic Times. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "Marcha Rice". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Bihar Most Expensive Rice: बिहार में उगाए जाने वाले इन 6 चावलों की कीमत उड़ा देगी आपके होश, स्वाद और सुगंध में नहीं है कोई जोड़". Zee News (in Hindi). Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "GI Tag: बिहार के मर्चा धान को मिल गया जीआई टैग, किसानों को मिलेगा फायदा". News18 हिंदी (in Hindi). 8 October 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Bihar's aromatic 'Marcha Rice' gets GI tag". Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) (Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India). Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Thanks to agri varsity experts, 'Marcha' rice of Bihar's West Champaran may get GI tag". The Times of India. 8 December 2022. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Bihar's aromatic 'Marcha Rice' gets GI tag". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "'Marcha rice' bags GI tag". The Times of India. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Bihar's aromatic 'Marcha Rice' gets GI tag". The Economic Times. 5 April 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ "Bihar Diwas 2024 - Marcha Rice to Silao Khaja, 7 GI-Tagged Foods from the State". 22 March 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.