| Boka Chaul (বোকা চাউল) | |
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
 Close-up of Boka Chaul rice | |
| Alternative names | Boka, Banta Boka, Bhokhoorie Boka, Boka jahinga, Jokhoroo boka, Khamti boka, Laobuka, Para chakhua, Ranga bokadha, Ronga boka, Santi boka, Booka, Baga jhul and Boga |
| Description | Boka Chaul is a rice variety cultivated inAssam |
| Area | Assam |
| Country | India |
| Registered | 30 July 2018 |
| Official website | ipindia.gov.in |
Boka Chaul is a variety of short-grainedrice mainly grown in theIndian state ofAssam.[1][2] It is a common and widely cultivated crop in the LowerBrahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam, encompassing the districts ofDhubri,Kokrajhar,Chirang,Bongaigaon,Goalpara,Barpeta,Nalbari,Baksa,Kamrup Rural,Kamrup Metropolitan,Darrang, andUdalguri falling inLower Assam division.[3][4] Boka Chaul is a brand or group name associated with a specific type ofparboiled 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 itsGeographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Boka Chaul".[6]
Boka chaul, literally translated as "soft rice" in the local state language ofAssamese, derives its name from the word "Boka" meaning "mud" - reflecting the soft texture of the rice while "Chaul" means rice.
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 tepid 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]
It was awarded theGeographical Indication (GI) status tag from theGeographical Indications Registry, under theUnion 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 inChennai, making the name "Boka Chaul" exclusive to the rice grown in the region. It thus became the second rice variety from Assam afterJoha rice and the seventh 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.
