Rapid Fire
First Export of Assam’s Joha Rice
- 16 Mar 2026
- 2 min read
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the 1st export consignment of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Joha Rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy.
Joha Rice
- About: Aromatic short-grain winter paddy cultivated in Assam and the Northeastern region of India, known for its distinct fragrance, fine grain texture and rich taste.
- Varieties: Around 22 traditional Joha rice varieties exist, with Kola Joha, Kunkuni Joha and Keteki Joha among the most popular.
- Key Features:
- Possesses anti-diabetic properties as it helps lower blood glucose levels and may prevent the onset of diabetes.
- Contains essential unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3), which support metabolic and cardiovascular health.
- Has a balanced omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio, making it nutritionally superior compared to many conventional rice varieties.
- Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as oryzanol, ferulic acid and tocotrienol, which provide antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and cardio-protective benefits.
- Challenges: Despite its quality, Joha rice has low productivity and yield, leading to declining cultivation and the risk of some traditional varieties becoming extinct.
| Read more: Geographical Indication Tag - Drishti IAS |
