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Joha Rice of Brahmaputra Valley
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) recently facilitated the first export of Joha Rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy, highlighting its growing global demand as a premium aromatic rice variety.
Joha Rice :
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Name & Identity | Joha Rice (also called Jaha rice or Mi Jaha), a premium short-grain aromatic rice known as “scented gold”. |
| Region of Origin | Indigenous to the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. |
| Historical Background | Cultivated for over 600 years; during the Ahom dynasty, it was considered a regal food and used by soldiers. |
| Grain Type | Short-grain aromatic rice. |
| Aroma & Taste | Known for mild floral fragrance and soft texture; aroma comparable to popcorn or sandalwood due to compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. |
| Cultivation Season | Sali (winter/Kharif) crop. |
| Crop Duration | Approximately 120–160 days. |
| Yield | Low productivity, around 1–1.5 tonnes per hectare. |
| Resilience | Some varieties like White Joha exhibit drought tolerance. |
| Soil & Climate | Grows in fertile rain-fed lowlands and floodplains; requires cool temperatures during flowering. |
| Nutritional Value | Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, protein, amino acids and oryzanol; low in sodium and cholesterol-free. |
| Health Benefits | May support blood glucose regulation and heart health. |
| Major Producing Areas | Primarily Upper and Central Assam; also grown in Garo Hills of Meghalaya. |
| GI Tag | Received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017. |
| Export Destinations | Europe (UK, Italy), Southeast Asia (Vietnam) and Middle East (Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia). |