| Uttarakhand lal chawal (red rice) | |
| Alternative Names: | Ghadwali red rice, Laal Chawal |
| Description: | Uttarakhand lal chawal (red rice) is an aromatic rice cultivated in Uttarakhand |
| Type: | Aromatic rice |
| Area: | Uttarakhand |
| Country: | India |
| Registered: | 8 November 2023 |
Uttarakhand lal chawal (red rice) is a variety of non-Basmati, aromatic, red colored rice mainly grown in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This rice variety is grown in the high-altitude regions of Uttarakhand. It is a common and widely cultivated crop in Purola, Mori, and surrounding areas in Uttarkashi district.[1] [2] [3] [4]
Under its Geographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Uttarakhand Lal Chawal (Red Rice)".
Uttarakhand lal chawal is a prized crop in Uttarakhand and so named after it. The word "laal" means red (referring to its color) and "chawal" means rice in the state language of Hindi.[5]
It is known locally as Ghadwali red rice, or simply as Laal Chawal.
Uttarakhand Lal Chawal (Red Rice) from the Himalayas is distinct in taste, texture, color, aroma, and flavor. This uniqueness is attributed to the heavy rainfall in the high-altitude regions and organic cultivation methods.[6] These conditions nourish the rice, resulting in a firm texture, nutty flavor, and distinct aroma.
Some of the characteristics of this rice are:
Uttarakhand Lal Chawal is used to make milk 'Kheer' and Jeera rice.
It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry, under the Union Government of India, on 8 November 2023.[7] [8] [9]
Bhagirathi Annapurna Sabji Utpadak Swayat Sahakarita from Uttarkashi, proposed the GI registration of Uttarakhand Lal Chawal (Red Rice). After filing the application in March 2022, the rice was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Uttarakhand Lal Chawal (Red Rice)" exclusive to the rice grown in the region. It thus became the first rice variety from Uttarakhand and the 14th type of goods from Uttarakhand 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.