It is known as Ajara Ghansal Tandul (आजरा घनसाळ तांदूळ) or simply only as Ghansal Tandul.[7] Tandul means rice in the local state language ofMarathi.[8]
Ajara Ghansal rice is a traditional, aromatic, and indigenous rice variety from Maharashtra, known for its distinct aroma, taste, and nutritional value.[9][10] It is characterized by short bold grains with a 3.61:5.5mm ratio and a creamy white appearance. Ajara Taluka, nestled amidst hills, leverages rainwater coming down from the hill slopes for rice cultivation.[11] The nearbyHiranyakeshi river, just 5 km away, plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal soil moisture levels, ensuring ideal conditions for rice growth.[12] The rice variety is renowned for its distinctive aroma, which is attributed to a complex blend of compounds, includingalcohols,aldehydes, andesters . Ghansal rice has a firm, tender, and non-sticky texture, with no chalkiness which is seen in other varieties. It is less sticky than other rice varieties too with an elongation ratio significantly higher thanBasmati rice.[13][14][15][16]
This rice variety is suitable for makingpuffed rice (Murmure), edible oil extraction fromrice bran, and utilizing paddy straw inmushroom cultivation.[17]
Ajara Taluka Shetkari Vikas Mandal from Ajara, proposed the GI registration of Ajara Ghansal rice. After filing the application in March 2014, the rice was granted the GI tag in 2016 by the Geographical Indication Registry inChennai, making the name "Ajara Ghansal rice" exclusive to the rice grown in the region. It thus became the first rice variety from Maharashtra beforeAmbemohar and the 11th type of goods from Maharashtra to earn the GI tag.
