- Source: Boka Chaul
Boka Chaul is a variety of short-grained rice mainly grown in the Indian state of Assam. It is a common and widely cultivated crop in the Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam, encompassing the districts of Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Goalpara, Barpeta, Nalbari, Baksa, Kamrup Rural, Kamrup Metropolitan, Darrang, and Udalguri falling in Lower Assam division. Boka Chaul is a brand or group name associated with a specific type of parboiled rice. This rice is produced by parboiling whole grains of a unique winter rice variety called Boka dhan. Soaking the kernels in cold water (at ambient temperature) is sufficient to prepare Boka chaul for consumption.
Under its Geographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Boka Chaul".
Name
Boka chaul, literally translated as "soft rice" in the local state language of Assamese, derives its name from the word "Boka" meaning "mud" - reflecting the soft texture of the rice while "Chaul" means rice.
Description
Boka Chaul, often hailed as the "Magic Rice" is a unique variety renowned for its extraordinary property of requiring no cooking! This special rice, when soaked in lukewarm water for a few minutes, transforms into a soft, cooked rice-like texture. The secret lies in its low amylose content. Amylose, a type of starch, is responsible for the firmness of rice grains. Boka Chaul, with significantly lower amylose levels compared to regular rice, becomes soft and easily digestible.
= Cultivation and Geographical Significance
=Boka Chaul thrives in the fertile alluvial soils of the Lower Brahmaputra Valley Zone.
The rich sediments deposited by the Brahmaputra river create ideal conditions for cultivating this unique rice variety.
= Cultural Significance and Culinary Uses
=History: In the 17th century, it served as a vital source of sustenance for the Ahom soldiers who defended their kingdom against the invading Mughal army.
Traditional Food: A popular summer food and often consumed during religious ceremonies.
Modern Usage: A convenient food option for busy lifestyles, especially for the armed forces.
Boka chaular Jalpan (Jalpan prepared from Boka chaul): Assamese breakfast often enjoyed with curd, jaggery, or other accompaniments.
Versatile Food: Can be consumed as a standalone dish, a breakfast cereal, or as a part of various meals.
Geographical indication
It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry, under the Union Government of India, on 30 July 2018 and is valid until 24 July 2026.
Lotus Progressive Centre (LPC) and Centre for Environment Education (CEE) from Guwahati, proposed the GI registration of Boka Chaul. After filing the application in July 2018, the rice was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Boka Chaul" exclusive to the rice grown in the region. It thus became the second rice variety from Assam after Joha rice and the 7th type of goods from Assam to earn the GI tag.
The GI tag protects the rice from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.