Guwahati, 4th August: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent speech highlighting the medicinal benefits of black rice, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment. CM Sarma praised the recognition, noting that black rice, also known as “Chakhao” in Manipur, is integral to the region’s agriculture and economy.
On the microblogging site X, CM Sarma wrote, “Thank you Prime Minister Narendra Modi for highlighting the immense potential and food value of Assam’s black rice. Grown in abundance in the North East, black rice is known for its medicinal properties and is also empowering our farmers due to its rich value.”
In his speech, PM Modi referred to black rice as a “superfood” and emphasized its significance in Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya. He remarked on the growing popularity of black rice due to its medicinal value.
Notably, in 2020, Manipur’s black rice, Chakhao, was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) confirmed this achievement, stating, “The Geographical Indications Registry website confirmed the registration of ‘Chakhao’ as ‘Manipur black rice’ on their official website.”
This endorsement by PM Modi is expected to further elevate the profile of black rice and boost its market presence, benefiting farmers and producers across the North East.
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