Marcha rice

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

AlternativenamesMircha, Marchaiya, and Maricha
DescriptionMarcha rice is an aromatic rice cultivated in Bihar
AreaWest Champaran district
Marcha rice (मर्चा चावल)
Geographical indication
Alternative namesMircha, Marchaiya, and Maricha
DescriptionMarcha rice is an aromatic rice cultivated in Bihar
TypeAromatic rice
AreaWest Champaran district
CountryIndia
Registered31 July 2023
Official websiteipindia.gov.in

Marcha rice is a variety of non-Basmati, short-grained aromatic rice mainly grown in the Indian state of Bihar. It is a common and widely cultivated crop in Ramnagar, Gaunaha, Mainatand, Chanpatiya, Narkatiyaganj and Lauriya blocks of West Champaran district.[1]

Under its Geographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Marcha Rice".[2]

The name "Marcha" is derived from the grain's resemblance to black pepper as in the state language of Hindi, pepper is called Marcha (मर्चा चावल).[3][4][5] It is also locally known as Mircha, Marchaiya, and Maricha.

Description

List of characteristics and facts about Marcha Rice:[6]

Characteristics

  • This rice variety has a unique aroma in plants, grains, and flakes. It offers palatability and produces high-quality aromatic rice flakes which are soft and sweet. The husk is dark brown and the grain shape is oval, short and bold, with a 100-grain weight of 1.6-2.2g. The crop has a pale-green color, broader leaves and more vigorous growth.

Cultivation

  • This rice variety is suitable for clay and clay loam soil, and uses organic manures for nutrients.

Agro-climatic Impact

  • This rice variety develops a unique aroma due to specific agro-climatic conditions, particularly in blocks along the Budhi-Gandak (Sikarahna) River. The soil is enriched with minerals from runoff water from the Himalayan terrain enriches the soil with minerals. A microclimate with low temperatures during October-November enhances aroma development. The aroma is present in the field from the seedling to the flowering stage.

Disease Resistance

  • No major disease infestation recorded in Marcha rice.

Geographical indication

See also

References

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI