Balaghat Chinnor

Balaghat Chinnor rice is a traditional and ceremonial rice variety from the Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh. This medium-fine grained rice is known for its unique flavour, aroma and softness and is highly valued for its quality. Due to its sweet, aromatic and slightly sticky texture, it is especially used for making kheer. Balaghat Chinnor rice is labelled with a geographical indication (GI), which guarantees its authenticity and its connection to the Balaghat region.

• The name “Chinnor” means “smooth, pointed and aromatic rice”,” which reflects its unique characteristics.
• The tip of the grain resembles the point of a sword.
• Cooked rice remains soft and watery for hours and has a strong flavour.
• It is light-sensitive and late-maturing and grows best in yellow to red clay soil.
• Farmers use organic fertiliser to improve the flavour and softness of the rice.
• A high planting density is aimed at to prevent weed lodging and reduce weeds.

• The climate in Balaghat, with its ideal temperature and humidity, favours the characteristics of the rice.
• The seeds are carefully selected by the farmers to maintain the purity of the variety.
• The rice bran has a high oil content (20-21%), which makes it superior to other rice varieties.
• A committee monitors the quality of the rice in order to fulfil the geographical standards.
• The geographical indication emphasises the unique characteristics of the rice and its origin from the Balaghat region.