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Marcha rice

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Marcha rice (मर्चा चावल)
Geographical indication
Alternative namesMircha, Marchaiya, and Maricha
DescriptionMarcha rice is an aromatic rice cultivated in Bihar
TypeAromatic rice
AreaWest Champaran district
CountryIndia
Registered31 July 2023
Official websiteipindia.gov.in

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]

Under its Geographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Marcha Rice".[2]

Name

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The 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] It is also locally known as Mircha, Marchaiya, and Maricha.

Description

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List of characteristics and facts about Marcha Rice:[5]

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.[citation needed] The husk is dark brown and the grain shape is oval, short and bold, with a 100-grain weight of 1.6-2.2g.[citation needed] The crop has a pale-green color, broader leaves and more vigorous growth.[citation needed]

Cultivation

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This rice variety is suitable for clay and clay loam soil, and uses organic manures for nutrients.[citation needed]

Agro-climatic Impact

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This rice variety develops a unique aroma due to specific agro-climatic conditions, particularly in blocks along the Budhi-Gandak (Sikarahna) River.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]

Geographical indication

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It 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.[6][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 Indications Registry in Chennai, making the name "Marcha rice" exclusive to the rice grown in the region.[7][8][9]

See also

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References

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  1. ↑ "Bihar to launch conservation plan to protect 'Marcha rice', 'Govind Bhog', 'Sona Chur'". The Economic Times. 18 January 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  2. 1 2 "Marcha Rice". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  3. ↑ "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.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "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.
  6. ↑ "Bihar's aromatic 'Marcha Rice' gets GI tag". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  7. ↑ "'Marcha rice' bags GI tag". The Times of India. 8 October 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  8. ↑ "Bihar's aromatic 'Marcha Rice' gets GI tag". The Economic Times. 5 April 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  9. ↑ "Bihar Diwas 2024 - Marcha Rice to Silao Khaja, 7 GI-Tagged Foods from the State". 22 March 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.