India is home to over 100,000 paddy accessions. Yet, as of June 2025, only 31 rice varieties hold Geographical Indications (GI) tags. These include the famous Basmati and 30 non-Basmati varieties. The GI tag grants collective rights to farmers of specific regions. It recognises unique agro-climatic conditions and traditional cultivation methods. This move protects the heritage and promotes authenticity.
Distribution of GI-Tagged Rice Varieties
Non-Basmati GI rice varieties are spread across 16 states. These include Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Manipur and Nagaland share one variety jointly. Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Bihar have two each. Maharashtra and Assam have three each. West Bengal has four and Kerala six varieties. In total, these varieties cover 116 districts. Among them, 24 are aromatic, denoting their market potential.
Significance of GI Tagging in Rice
GI tags provide monopoly rights to farmers of a region. They help establish brand identity in global markets. The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced new tariff lines for rice based on variety, processing method and GI status. This aims to create a niche for non-Basmati GI rice internationally. Traceability and authenticity are key benefits. This protects producers and assures consumers of quality.
Unique Characteristics of Aromatic Varieties
Aromatic GI rice varieties have distinct flavours and appearances. For example, Ambemohar smells like mango blossoms. Wayanad Jeerakashala has a cumin scent. Others like Adamchini resemble sugar crystals. Chak Hao is black in colour. Many are organically grown. This diversity supports differentiated marketing and premium pricing.
Challenges in Cultivating GI Rice
These varieties face cultivation challenges. They have longer growing periods and lower yields. Their structure often prevents use of harvesting machines due to lodging risk. Improper harvesting, storage and milling cause aroma loss. Marketing channels remain weak. Institutional support is essential to ensure fair prices and farmer income.
Institutional Support and Success Stories
India introduced a national GI logo in 2018 with the tagline ‘Atulya Bharat Ki Amulya Nidhi’. This strengthens producer-consumer links and prevents free-riding. The ‘One District One Product’ scheme promotes GI rice varieties like Palakkadan Matta, Katarni, Chinnor, Tulaipanji and Kalanamak. Kalanamak rice is a notable success. Its cultivation rose from 2,000 hectares in 2018 to 18,000 hectares in 2025. This was due to combined efforts of farmers, scientists and officials. Farmer producer organisations, common facilities and export foundations support these efforts. Packaging with QR codes ensures traceability. Collaborations with universities and the International Rice Research Institute have further boosted progress.
Future Prospects
GI tagging and supportive policies open new avenues for Indian rice. They enhance rural livelihoods and protect traditional knowledge. With improved marketing and scientific support, these varieties can gain global recognition. This will benefit millions of farmers and preserve India’s rich agricultural heritage.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of India’s Geographical Indications for agricultural products, discuss how GI tagging can promote rural development and protect traditional knowledge.
- Examine the role of government policies and institutional mechanisms in enhancing the global competitiveness of indigenous crop varieties in India.
- Analyse the challenges faced by organic and traditional farming in India. How can modern technology and scientific research address these challenges?
- Discuss in the light of India’s ‘One District One Product’ programme, how regional specialisation can contribute to sustainable economic growth and cultural preservation.
