UP’s Chandauli got UNDP praise for Black rice

Context

The Black rice has earned UP’s Chandauli big United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) praise and good profit.

• According to the UNDP’s latest appraisal report, Chandauli is one of India’s four most progressed districts under the Aspirational Districts

About the Black rice

• Black rice is of Chinese origin and known as ‘forbidden rice’. In ancient China, it is believed to be exclusive for royal consumption.
• In India, black rice or chak-hao (delicious rice) is indigenous to Manipur for centuries.
  • Manipur was also awarded the GI tag for black rice.
• Its production across the country is mooted due to better price realization, growing international demand, and health benefits.
• The Black color of the rice is due to a compound called ‘anthocyanins’.
• Benefits: Anthocyanins also give it powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
  • It also contains important carotenoids which are known for improving eye health.
  • It is naturally gluten-free.
  • It is rich in-
    • Protein, Iron, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and natural fiber.
  • It promotes weight loss and is a natural detoxifier.
  • Its consumption helps in the prevention of ailments such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, hypertension, among others.

Production in India

• Chandauli started producing the ‘healthier’ black rice in 2018.
  • It is being exported to Australia and New Zealand.
  • It was exported to the neighboring district of Mirzapur as ‘Vindhya black rice’.  
• Its cultivation is promoted in India under various schemes
  • ‘One District-One Product’
  • ‘Export Policy 2020-25’
• Simdega (Jharkhand), Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh), and Rajgarh (Madhya Pradesh) are areas that also produce it.