Katarni Rice-A ceremonial Rice of Bihar
What is Katarni Rice?
Katarni Rice is the finest quality of scented rice of Bihar mainly grown in Bhagalpur, Munger & Banka district of Bihar. It is famus for its aromatic sweet flavor, exceptional cooking quality, soft texture & taste which makes it unique among other aromatic rice variety like Basmati Rice. Due to this typical characteristic, it is mainly reserved for ceremonial events. Katarni Rice has been granted Geographical Indication (G.I) in 28th March 2018 & its GI Tag number is 553.
Meaning of Katarni:-
The word “Katarni” means an awl with a hook at the end of sewing. The rice has been named Katarni rice because of the shape of the apex of paddy which looks like a tip of an awl which also called “Takna” in South Bhagalpur & Tipuni in South Munger. An awl is a small pointed tools mainly used for piercing holes in wood or leather.
pic source-https://www.exportersindia.com/varanasi/katarni-rice.htm
Characteristic of Katarni Rice:-
Katarni Rice is a Non -basmati traditional aromatic rice which has several unique characteristic such as:-
Aroma & Taste:-The aroma of Katarni Rice is sweet & floral. its aroma often intensify upon cooking with a pleasant scent but it is not overpowering as Basmati Rice aroma. This unique aroma comes from thee specific soil & climate conditions of Bhagalpur region of Bihar where it is mainly cultivated.
Grain Size:– The size of Katarni rice grain is between 4.5 mm to 5mm long & the width is approx 1.74mm . Upon cooking its grain size increases slightly but not as long as basmati rice grain. The husk of Katarni rice is dark brown color. the shape of the katarni rice grain is looks like a tip of an awl.
Texture:-Katarni Rice has slightly sticky texture upon cooking. Despite its stickiness, it remains soft and tender as well as delicate, giving it a pleasant mouthfeel when consumed.
Cooking properties:- It has a high absorption rate making it perfect choice for the preparation of pulao, biryani, khichdi & kheer dishes. The cooked rice is fluffy, non sticky & popcorn like aroma. Katarni Rice is also used to make beaten rice or Poha/Chiwda/Chura.
pic source:-https://www.kisanofindia.com/latest-news/scientific-method-for-paddy-variety-katrani-dhaan/12872
Brief history of its cultivation:-
Katarni Rice has a long & rich history of cultivation in Bihar particularly in the Bhagalpur & Banka district of Bihar due to its fertile floodplain of the Ganga River which provide it the unique soil & climatic conditions for growing this aromatic rice.
- It is believed that Maharaja Rahmat Ali Khan Bhadur of Kharagpur was the first person who had planted the Katarni Rice in Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
- During the 19th century & early 20th Century, Katarni rice has gained its widespread recognition due to its unique flavor & quality often served during festivals and special occasions. The freshly harvested paddy of katarni Rice is used in the worship during Makarsakranti.
- The peculiar flavor of katarni rice is only developed when it is grown in the particular block of Jagdishpur, sultanganj, sahkund & sanhaula in Bhagalpur district, Asharganj & Tarapur block in Munger district, Amarpur, Barahat, Rajaun, Katoria & Chanan block in Banka district.
Geographical Indication tag to Katarni Rice
The geographical Indication tagging to Katarni Rice was given by the Geographical Indications Registry Chennai on 28th March 2018. The GI Registration number of Katarni Rice is 553. The Geographical area of production of Katarni Rice identified by the Department of Agriculture is comprised of South alluvial Gangetic plane of South Bhagalpur, Munger & Banka district of Bihar.
Pic source-https://x.com/DDNewslive/status/1563074838209904641
Cultivation area of Katarni Rice in Bihar
The cultivation of Katarni Rice is geographically concentrated in only a few district of Bihar particularly in the Bhagalpur , Munger & Banka district due to its fertile floodplain of the Ganga River which provide it the unique soil & climatic conditions for growing this aromatic rice.
- Bhagalpur district:- Bhagalpur is the heart of Katarni Rice cultivation. Several block within the Bhagalpur district such as Kahalgaon, Nathnagar,Jagdishpur, sultanganj, sahkund & sanhaula. Kahalgaon & Nathnagar are the two block of Bhagalpur which produces high quality of katarni Rice.
- Banka District:-Banka district is another important area where katarni rice is grown. This region share the similar soil types & climate conditions as compare to the Bhagalpur district. The main block of Banka district where Katarni Rice is cultivated are-Amarpur, Barahat, Rajaun, Katoria & Chanan block.
- Munger district:-Munger is neighboring district of Bhagalpur. It is known for smaller scale production of Katarni Rice. The two block of Munger namely Asharganj & Tarapur mainly known for Katarni rice cultivation.
Culinary use of Katarni Rice:-
Katarni Rice is a Non-polished rice which has aromatic flavor and often used for ceremonial purpose. Katarni rice is often reserved for festivals, weddings, and special occasions due to its premium quality and rich fragrance. This rice is perfect for making traditional Indian rice dishes such as Biryani, Pulao, khichdi, Tehri , kheer, beaten rice or Poha/Chiwda/Chura etc.
Some of the most popular Brand of Katarni Rice & Poha are available in Indian Market.
Manjusha Natural Premium Bhagalpuri Special Katarni Rice.
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Natureship- Katarni Rice | |
MILAAN Bhagalpur Katarni Chura | |
DevSwaD Premium Bhagalpuri Katarni Chawal
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Mohit Premium Katarni Rice
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MITHILA FOODS Bhagalpuri Katarni Chuda | |
Content Reference:-
The above content has been compiled after referring various culinary books, Research Papers, Research articles, Food magazines, news papers, top culinary websites, Govt websites, personal interaction with renowned chefs from various hotel brands like The Ashok Group of hotel, ITC, Oberai, Leela, Park Hotels & various IHM Faculties, Nutritionists etc. & many more. The picture which i have used has been taken from the open source website .Some of the important website referred for the above content are:-
- https://journal.jsure.org.in/index.php/jas/article/view/483/393
- https://www.gitagged.com.
- https://www.origin-gi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/553-katarni-rice.pdf
- https://bausabour.ac.in/album/File110_08_202305_50_45PIMG1.pdf
- Directorate of Research Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour.
- https://www.jsure.org.in/journal/index.php/jas/article/view/483
- https://www.amazon.in/katarni-rice/s?k=katarni+rice
- https://search.ipindia.gov.in/GIRPublic/Application/Details/553
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/patna/three-gi-cheers-for-bihar-magahi-paan-jardalu-mango-katarni-rice-get-exclusive-tag/story-OLrbSJh8OG5zMnj166u3e
- https://www.mondaq.com/india/land-law-agriculture/694914/bihar-earns-3-gi-tags-for-agricultural-products–katarni-rice-zardalu-mango-and-magahi-paan
- https://niftem.ac.in/newsite/pmfme/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kataraniwriteup.pdf
- https://www.mondaq.com/india/land-law-agriculture/694914/bihar-earns-3-gi-tags-for-agricultural-products-katarni-rice-zardalu-mango-and-magahi-paan
- https://krishijagran.com/news/fourteen-gi-tags-for-different-types-of-indian-rice/