Balaghat Chinnor rice


Balaghat Chinnor is a variety of non-Basmati aromatic rice mainly grown in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a common and widely cultivated crop in tehsils of Balaghat, Baihar, Birsa, Paraswada, Katangi, Waraseoni, Lalbarra, Khairlanji, Lanji and Kirnapur of Balaghat district

Name

Balaghat Chinnor Rice is a prized crop in Balaghat and so named after it. "Chinnor" or "Chinnaur" is an acronym of the Hindi term “Chiknaiyukt Nokdaar Sugangdhit Chavur” which means Chiknaiyukt, Nokdaar, Sugangdhit and Chavur.
The word "Chinnor" has its roots in three distinct components:
  1. Chi: Derived from "Chiknai Yukt," indicating the rice's high oil content.
  2. Nau: Originating from "Nokdaar," meaning sharp tip, referring to the rice grain's shape.
  3. R: Simply denoting "rice"

    Local name

It is known as Balaghat Chinnor rice or simply only as Chinnor rice.

Description

Balaghat Chinnor rice is a ceremonial, traditional, aromatic, and endemic rice variety from Madhya Pradesh. It is renowned for its distinct aroma, taste, and softness, making it a staple in marriage feasts and religious ceremonies. Other features are:

Characteristics

  • This variety of rice has a strong scent in both cooked and uncooked form. The cooked grains are soft, shiny, and slightly sticky. The grain shape is distinctive, with the apex resembling the tip of a sword.

    Taste and Culinary Uses

  • Unique taste
  • Ideal for Kheer
  • Suitable for Puri, Anarsa, roti, and cooked chawal

    Cooking Properties

  • This variety of rice has a quick cooking time. Additionally, it can be made into a smooth dough when mixed with warm water.

    Cultural Significance

  • In Balaghat temples, priests offer Chinnor Kheer as Prasad Bhog, leveraging its aroma, sweetness, and milk-thickening properties.

    By-Product

  • Chinnor rice has a notable by-product with its rice bran containing a high oil content. The oil content in Chinnor rice bran is 20-21%, surpassing the 18-19% oil content found in the bran of regular rice varieties.

    Geographical indication

It was awarded the List of [geographical indications in India|Geographical Indication] status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on
14 September 2021.
Balaghat Chinnor Utpadak Sahkari Samiti Maryadit Balaghat from Waraseoni, proposed the GI registration of Balaghat Chinnor rice. After filing the application in October 2019, the rice was granted the GI tag in 2021 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Balaghat Chinnor rice" exclusive to the rice grown in the region. It thus became the first rice variety from Madhya Pradesh and the 12th type of goods from Madhya Pradesh to earn the GI tag.
The GI tag protects the rice from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.