Poonam Nath

Assam rice variety 'Labanya' or Purple Rice achieves National Level Recognition

Digital Desk: The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) awarded Assam Agricultural University (AAU) a Certificate of Registration on July 7, 2025, recognizing the university nationally for its new rice variety, "Labanya" also known as purple rice (TTB-AAU-Dhan-41).

According to the Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act of 2001, the certificate grants AAU the sole authority to grow, market, and distribute Labanya. This rice blends the nutritional value of traditional black rice with improved yield and commercial farming adaptability.

Traditional black rice yields 1.5–2 tonnes per hectare, while labanya yields 4.5–5 tonnes. It is a healthy option for everyday diets because it has aromatic grains, a lower glycemic index, and cooks more quickly.

In addition to having a higher milling quality with roughly 60% head rice recovery, labanya rice is also high in antioxidants, flavonoids, amino acids, and minerals.

According to AAU officials, the type is perfect for creating traditional recipes, bakery goods, and gluten-free flour. It is already being grown by farmers in Assam, Punjab, and Daman & Diu, and the government of Daman and Diu is actively encouraging its cultivation.

Long-term advantages for AAU and farming communities are guaranteed by the PPVFRA rights, which have a six-year term with the possibility of a nine-year extension.

Even before official registration, Labanya was introduced to the market, and a local businessman was granted exclusive marketing rights. More than 30 percent of consumers are repeat buyers, and it is currently available in more than 18 states.