131. Katarni Rice

Katarni Rice is the most prevalent, ceremonial and finest quality scented rice of Bihar, India. “Katarni Rice” is famous for its aromatic flavour, palatability and chura (beaten rice) making qualities. It is grown in of Munger, Banka and South Bhagalpur Districts.

Katarni, a superior fine grain variety is a Ceremonial Rice is known for its pleasant fragrance, a local relish and excellent cooking quality. The Rice variety was introduced by Maharaja Rahmat Khan Bahadur and has equal export potential as that of Basmati Variety.

The word “Katarni” literally means an awl with a hook at the end for sewing. Awl is a pointed tool for making holes, as in wood or leather. It has been given its name due to the resemblance of the tip of its husk (apicull) with awl which also called ‘takna’ in South Bhagalpur and ‘tipuni’ in South Munger.

Katarni rice is medium slender grained, tall and photosensitive landrace and grain filling occurs in hazy sunshine. It is tolerant to cold but sensitive to rain at flowering. The cooked rice is fluffy, soft, non-sticky, sweet, and easily digestible with pop-corn like aroma.

Harvesting of the crop is done when the panicles are mature and the plants have turned considerably yellow. The crop can be harvested manually by sickles or by combine harvester. After threshing, the grains should be sun dried for storage.

Uniqueness of Katarni rice on Morphological Traits is as given below

• The husk is dark brown. 

• Aroma of both cooked and uncooked rice is strongly scented. 

• Newly milled rice is non-sticky, digestible and sweet and cooked rice is fluffy. 

• The beaten rice (Poha or Chura) of Katarni is scented, very soft and sweet. 

• The leaf and dehusked grains of Katarni give strong aroma.

Health benefits of Katarni Rice are 

• Contains a good balance or proteins, carbohydrates and fibre. 

• Represents a good source of some vitamins and minerals. 

• Low in calories and fat.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 28 March 2018

GI Tag Number                         : 553

Certificate Number                  : 312

Geographical Area                  : Bihar

Special Cover Release Date   : 03 September 2021

Cancellation                             : Bhagalpur 812 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : BH-11 / September 2021

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