Anantam IASCurrent Affairs · 2 November 2025

Chakhao rice of Manipur

Study Guides · Study Notes · General Studies

Context:

Manipur is going to export a new variety of Chakhao rice to Japan.

Intellectual property rights

Q. Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? (2015)

1.Banaras Brocades and Sarees

2.Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma

3.Tirupathi Laddu

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Chakhao is a scented glutinous (sticky) rice which has been in cultivation in Manipur over centuries, and is characterised by its special aroma.
The rice is black in colour and takes the longest cooking time of 40-45 minutes due to the presence of a fibrous bran layer and higher crude fibre content.
It is normally eaten during community feasts and is served as Chak-Hao kheer.
Chak-Hao has also been used by traditional medical practitioners as part of traditional medicine.

Uttar Pradesh

Kalanamak rice: An aromatic, non-basmati variety also called “Buddha Rice.” It is known for its nutritional value and resilience.

Odisha

Koraput kala jeera rice: Also known as “Prince of Rice,” this is a black rice variety with a distinct aroma, taste, and high nutritional value.

Manipur

Chakhao rice: A black rice variety that has a deep black color due to the presence of anthocyanin.

Chhattisgarh

Jeeraphool: An aromatic and fine short-slender rice variety that resembles cumin seeds.

Other GI-tagged rice varieties

A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.

Significance of a GI tag:

Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.
Security: Once the GI protection is granted, no other producer can misuse the name to market similar products. It also provides comfort to customers about the authenticity of that product.

Who is a registered proprietor of a geographical indication?

Any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the law can be a registered proprietor.
Their name should be entered in the Register of Geographical Indication as registered proprietor for the Geographical Indication applied for.

How long the registration of Geographical Indication is valid?

The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years.
It can be renewed from time to time for further period of 10 years each.

What is the difference between a geographical indication and a trademark?

A trademark is a sign used by an enterprise to distinguish its goods and services from those of other enterprises. It gives its owner the right to exclude others from using the trademark.
A geographical indication tells consumers that a product is produced in a certain place and has certain characteristics that are due to that place of production. It may be used by all producers who make their products in the place designated by a geographical indication and whose products share typical qualities.

Who accords and regulates Geographical Indications?

At the International level: Geographical Indications are covered as a component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. GI is also governed by the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force with effect from September 2003. The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.