IMPHAL, Oct 27: Manipur is poised to make a significant entry into the global rice export market as the State’s Department of Agriculture plans to export 20 metric tonnes (MT) of Chakhao White Rice to Japan by November–December 2025. The initiative marks a milestone in promoting Manipur’s indigenous aromatic rice varieties on the international stage.
According to Agriculture Director Peter Salam, the department will formalise this initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) during the upcoming Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025, scheduled for October 30–31 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Organised by the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF) in collaboration with APEDA, the conference seeks to position India as a global leader in the rice supply chain. It will host over 1,000 foreign buyers from more than 80 countries, alongside 3,000 farmer organisations, 2,500 exporters, millers, and allied industries.
Manipur’s delegation to the event will include four Farmer-Producer Companies (FPCs), two local entrepreneurs, and senior officials from the Agriculture Department. As part of the promotion, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese dishes will be prepared using Chakhao Black and White Rice to showcase their distinctive aroma, flavour, and nutritional richness to global buyers.
In addition to export promotion, the Agriculture Department is planning to expand the cultivation of Chakhao Black and White Rice from Kharif 2026 onwards, particularly in regions conducive to double paddy cropping. To support farmers, the department will provide subsidised inputs, establish hi-tech milling units to minimise post-harvest losses, and coordinate with APEDA to ensure better prices and returns for producers.
Officials said the move will not only open new export opportunities but also help preserve and promote Manipur’s traditional rice heritage. Farmers, particularly those engaged in double cropping, are being encouraged to take up Chakhao cultivation to benefit from growing international demand.
The Chakhao variety, known for its distinctive colour and fragrance, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in May 2020, affirming its unique qualities linked to Manipur’s soil and culture.
