Mircha rice

• The Mircha rice variety from Bihar has recently been granted the GI tag.

About the Mircha or Marcha rice

• The GI tag has been awarded to the indigenous variety of paddy called Mircha Rice, which is produced exclusively in the West Champaran region of Bihar.
• This unique rice has a grain size and shape similar to black pepper, which is the reason behind its name.
• It is known for its distinct aroma, palatability, and the quality of rice flakes (chura) it produces.
• The application for the GI tag was submitted by the Marcha Dhan Utpadak Pragatisheel Samuh, a registered organization of paddy cultivators.
• The rice is primarily grown in the Mainatand, Gaunaha, Narkatiaganj, Ramnagar, and Chanpatia blocks of West Champaran district, with an average yield of 20-25 quintals per hectare.
• The tall plants of this paddy are ready for harvest in 145-150 days. Out of the 18 blocks in West Champaran, this rice is cultivated in six blocks.
• Other agriculture and horticulture products from Bihar that have received GI tags include-
• Zardalu mango, Katarni rice of Bhagalpur, Shahi litchi of Muzaffarpur, Magahi paan of Magadh region, and Makhana of Mithila.