The Agriculture Ministry of India has introduced new grading and marketing rules for five premium non-Basmati rice varieties from West Bengal, namely Gobindabhog, Tulaipanji, Kataribhog, Kalonunia, and Radhunipagal. As per the new regulations, authorized packers are required to conduct quality testing of these rice varieties either in their own laboratories or through approved ones. This marks the first instance of such quality control measures being implemented for non-Basmati rice varieties. Packers are mandated to adhere to the FSSAI standards for domestic trade and meet the residual limits set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission or the importing countries for exports.
The Non-Basmati Aromatic Rice Grading and Marking Rules, 2024, were issued after considering objections and suggestions from stakeholders following a draft notification in October last year. The rules stipulate that rice must be packaged in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. Moreover, each package must contain rice of the same type and grade, and smaller packages from the same lot or batch may be packed together in a master container with complete details and grade designation.
To ensure the authenticity and purity of these varieties, similar to Basmati rice, the government has mandated the Polymerase Chain Reaction test for variety confirmation, if necessary. Detailed specifications for each variety are prescribed, including requirements for grain type, natural fragrance, characteristics in both raw and cooked forms, and the absence of artificial coloring, polishing agents, artificial fragrances, and other chemicals. These rice varieties have distinct geographical origins within West Bengal, with Gobindabhog being primarily produced in the districts of Bardhaman, Hooghly, Nadia, and Birbhum, while Tulaipanji and Radhunipagal are mainly from the Raiganj subdivision of Uttar Dinajpur district. Kataribhog originates from the undivided Dinajpur district, and Kalonunia is cultivated in the Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Darjeeling regions of the state.