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Boka Chaul

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Boka Chaul (বোকা চাউল)
Geographical indication
Alternative namesBoka, Banta Boka, Bhokhoorie Boka, Boka jahinga, Jokhoroo boka, Khamti boka, Laobuka, Para chakhua, Ranga bokadha, Ronga boka, Santi boka, Booka, Baga jhul and Boga
DescriptionBoka Chaul is a rice variety cultivated in Assam
AreaAssam
CountryIndia
Registered30 July 2018
Official websiteipindia.gov.in

Boka Chaul is a variety of short-grained rice mainly grown in the Indian state of Assam.[1][2] It is a common and widely cultivated crop in the Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam, encompassing the districts of Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Goalpara, Barpeta, Nalbari, Baksa, Kamrup Rural, Kamrup Metropolitan, Darrang, and Udalguri falling in Lower Assam division.[3][4] Boka Chaul is a brand or group name associated with a specific type of parboiled rice. This rice is produced by parboiling whole grains of a unique winter rice variety called Boka dhan. Soaking the kernels in cold water (at ambient temperature) is sufficient to prepare Boka chaul for consumption.[5]

Under its Geographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Boka Chaul".[6]

Name

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Boka chaul, literally translated as "soft rice" in the local state language of Assamese, derives its name from the word "Boka" meaning "mud" - reflecting the soft texture of the rice while "Chaul" means rice.

Description

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Boka Chaul, often hailed as the "Magic Rice" is a unique variety renowned for its extraordinary property of requiring no cooking![7] This special rice, when soaked in lukewarm water for a few minutes, transforms into a soft, cooked rice-like texture.[8] The secret lies in its low amylose content. Amylose, a type of starch, is responsible for the firmness of rice grains. Boka Chaul, with significantly lower amylose levels compared to regular rice, becomes soft and easily digestible.[6]

Cultivation and Geographical Significance

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  1. Boka Chaul thrives in the fertile alluvial soils of the Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone.
  2. The rich sediments deposited by the Brahmaputra river create ideal conditions for cultivating this unique rice variety.

Cultural Significance and Culinary Uses

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  1. History: In the 17th century, it served as a vital source of sustenance for the Ahom soldiers who defended their kingdom against the invading Mughal army.[9]
  2. Traditional Food: A popular summer food and often consumed during religious ceremonies.
  3. Modern Usage: A convenient food option for busy lifestyles, especially for the armed forces.
  4. Boka chaular Jalpan (Jalpan prepared from Boka chaul): Assamese breakfast often enjoyed with curd, jaggery, or other accompaniments.
  5. Versatile Food: Can be consumed as a standalone dish, a breakfast cereal, or as a part of various meals.[10]

Geographical indication

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It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry, under the Union Government of India, on 30 July 2018 and is valid until 24 July 2026.[6][11]

Lotus Progressive Centre (LPC) and Centre for Environment Education (CEE) from Guwahati, proposed the GI registration of Boka Chaul.[12] After filing the application in July 2018, the rice was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Boka Chaul" exclusive to the rice grown in the region. It thus became the second rice variety from Assam after Joha rice and the 7th type of goods from Assam to earn the GI tag.[13]

The GI tag protects the rice from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.

References

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  1. ^ Borthakur, Anwesha. The Resilience of Traditional Knowledge Systems for a Sustainable Future. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-031-56858-9. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  2. ^ "List of GI Tags of Assam". www.indiatodayne.in. 23 May 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  3. ^ "Boka Chaul: Rice of Assam Belongs Magical Figure". ResearchGate GmbH. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  4. ^ "Assam soft rice gets GI tag". The Telegraph. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  5. ^ Gogoi, Jahnabi (2002). Agrarian System of Medieval Assam. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 978-81-7022-967-4. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  6. ^ a b c "Boka Chaul". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  7. ^ "Magic rice set for US debut". The Telegraph. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  8. ^ Pathak, Kamal Chandra (14 February 2014). Peasantry Their Problem and Protest in Assam (1858-1894). Partridge Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4828-1618-1. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  9. ^ "'The rice that needs no cooking': magic rice variety from Assam gets GI tag". The Indian Express. 9 August 2018. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  10. ^ Bardoloi, B. K.; Athaparia, R. P. (2002). Assam. Anthropological Survey of India. ISBN 978-81-7046-128-9. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  11. ^ Borthakur, Anwesha; Singh, Pardeep (2024). Addressing the Climate Crisis in the Indian Himalayas: Can Traditional Ecological Knowledge Help?. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-3-031-50097-8. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  12. ^ "Geographical Indication tag sought for Boka Chaul". The Times of India. 19 September 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  13. ^ "APEDA launches gluten-free millet products for all age groups at affordable prices". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
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