High Yielding Variety(HYV) of Chakhao - Black Rice developed by ICAR-NEH Manipur Centre
RC Manichakhao-1

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ICAR successfully develops HYV chakhao on August 27 2024 :: Pix - TSE

Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research Complex for North Eastern Region (ICAR-NEH) Manipur Centre have developed a new variety of high yielding black rice called RC Manichakhao-1 which has a yield potential of 4.5 to 5 tonnes/pari (Manipuri unit of land measurement) .

The RC Manichakhao-1 was developed by a group of scientists/experts viz Salam Gunamani, Irengbam Meghachandra, Ngankham Umakanta, Ningthoujam Ajitkumar, Kolom Rabi, Leenda Monsang, N Johnson, L Somendro, Thokchom Motilal, Chongtham Roben and Ramgopal Laha under the supervision of Dr Konsam Sarika (Scientist of Genetics & Plant Breeding)) .

Speaking to The Sangai Express, these scientists said that RC-Manichakhao is a semi dwarf and a high yielding variety of black rice which can resist toppling over in harsh weather conditions. They also said that development of RC-Manichakhao-1 will facilitate the local black rice grower to increase their farm produce and subsequently improve their earning.

Saying that the variety black rice which is usually planted in Manipur are tall (above 150 cm) and has low lodging resistance they added that many farmers are reluctant to grow black rice as the usual variety which is grown in Manipur can produce only about 1.4 to 2 tonnes when planted in one pari (of land) .

Notably, chakhao was conferred with the Geographical Indication (GI) status by Government of India in 2019 .

Availability of chakhao in the market was quite low in the past as the crop, traditionally, used to be grown only in some pockets, they said and maintained that many farmers started planting chakhao only after the crop was given the GI tag by the Government. The State has also started selling chakhao to other States and beyond now, the scientists said.

Further stating they preserve the original properties, aroma and flavour of chakhao while developing RC-Manichakhao-1, they continued that maintaining the originality of chakhao was a challenging task. The scientists also said that they took the help of plant breeders while developing the new variety of chakhao.

Saying that they developed RC-Manichakhao-1 was developed as chakhao which is closely associated with the history of Manipur needs to be preserved, they maintained that many farmers also have interest in planting chakhao now.

Chakhao plays a significant role in the socio-cultural practices associated with Meitei community since time immemorial, they said and added that chakhao is now considered as a super food because it possess medicinal values and health benefits.

They went on to state that the American Health Association, American Cancer Society and the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommended consumption of black rice to prevent heart disease and certain kinds of cancers (USA Rice Federation 2008) .

The scientists went on to state that there is a report which stated that just a spoonful of chakhao bran contains more health promoting anthocyanin antioxidants than pricey blueberries but with less sugar and more fibre and vitamin E .

They said that anyone interested in planting RC-Manichakhao can contact Dr Konsam Sarika at their centre at Lamphelpat or through the e-mail: konsams(AT)gmail(DOT)com .