HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Feb 4: Assam Agricultural University (AAU) has unveiled cookies and cakes made from its innovative purple rice variety ‘Labanya’, branded as IndiGo Purple Rice Cookies, which will soon be available commercially. The launch took place at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Hall on Tuesday.
A 29-member NABARD delegation, led by Chief General Manager Loken Das, attended the event. The products are produced by the Bajalbari Na-Kuhipat Farmer Producer Company, an initiative of the Assam Rice Research Institute under AAU. Purple rice, known for its low glycaemic index and rich nutritional profile—including flavonoids, antioxidants, amylase and phenolic compounds has gained popularity for its health benefits.
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Vice-Chancellor Dr Bidyut Chandan Deka expressed confidence that the products would be well received and promote public health awareness. Director of Research Dr Sanjay Kumar Chetia and Director of Extension Education Dr Manoranjan Neog showcased AAU’s recent innovations and achievements through an audio-visual presentation.
The programme, anchored by Registrar Tapan Kumar Gohain, was attended by senior officials and faculty, including Dr Prasanna Kumar Pathak, Dr Anup Kumar Das, Dr Nandita Bhattacharyya, Dr Ranjit Kumar Saud and Dr Mrinal Saikia.
The NABARD team also toured AAU’s departments and farms, interacting with scientists and researchers, coordinated by NABARD District Development Manager Montu Das.
The launch underscores AAU’s efforts to promote value-added agricultural products while supporting local farmers and public health.
