IMPHAL, Nov 2: Manipur is set to introduce its indigenous white sticky rice, ‘Chakhao Angouba’, to the international market following the successful export of black sticky rice, ‘Chakhao Amuba’. The move marks another step in promoting the state’s traditional agricultural products abroad.
The Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan to export 20 metric tonnes of the white sticky rice, valued at around Rs 4 crore. The agreement was signed during the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on October 30 to 31, organised by the Indian Rice Exporters’ Federation (IREF) in collaboration with APEDA.
Peter Salam, Director of the Agriculture Department, said Manipur already enjoys a strong market for black sticky rice, and efforts are underway to establish the white variety internationally. “Chakhao Angouba will soon find its place abroad due to its unique aroma, stickiness, and colour,” he said.
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The event brought together over 1,000 foreign buyers from more than 80 countries and 2,000 farmer-producer organisations from across India, providing a global platform for rice trade and knowledge exchange.
Chakhao is aromatic sticky rice traditionally used in rituals and social ceremonies in Manipur and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre. While the black variety has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and certified organic cultivation, the white Chakhao remains relatively unknown outside the state. Interest is growing from countries such as Japan, where the rice could be used in dishes like sushi. However, production of the white variety remains limited due to low-yielding strains and lack of farmer incentives. The Agriculture Department is promoting modern farming techniques to boost production and income, though no exact annual production data is currently available. (NNN)
