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Joha Rice of Assam, a GI tagged agricultural product of Assam

Photo: অজয় দাস / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Agricultural · Assam

Joha Rice of Assam

GI Registered Assam Agricultural
GI numberGI-25
Typical price₹100 - ₹200 per kg
Verified cooperativesAssam Joha Rice Cultivators Guild
StateAssam

About Joha Rice of Assam

Joha Rice is a group of fragrant, small-grain rice varieties grown in Assam. The grains are short, slender and aromatic, and when cooked they stay soft and separate with a delicate scent. Joha is prized for special dishes such as payas (rice pudding), pitha and festive meals rather than for everyday cooking, and it is served at weddings and during Bihu celebrations.

Heritage and place

The name joha is linked to fragrance in Assamese, and the rice has long been cultivated in the state's paddy fields as a winter crop. Because it is less common than commercial basmati, joha's cultural value is high. The GI helps identify authentic Assam joha and supports the smallholders who grow it, so it is not mixed with generic aromatic rice.

How it is made

Joha is grown as a traditional Sali (winter) paddy, transplanted in the monsoon and harvested in late autumn or winter. Its yield is comparatively low, and the plants can be tall, so farmers manage lodging and disease with care. After harvest, the paddy is dried and milled with attention to preserve the aroma, which fades if the rice is over-polished or stored badly.

Registry record

Joha Rice of Assam is listed in this catalogue as GI-25, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Assam in the agricultural category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Joha Rice of Assam

What to check

Rub a few grains between your palms or cook a small amount: genuine joha releases a sweet, floral aroma. The grains should be small and slender, not long like basmati. Buy from Assam producer groups, cooperatives or trusted stores, and check the packing date, since aroma declines with age. Store in an airtight container away from moisture, and use for dishes where its fragrance can stand out.

  • Grains are remarkably tiny and pack an intense, native pop-corn type natural fragrance that fills a room during low boiling.

Price to expect

Genuine Joha Rice of Assam typically sells in the range of ₹100 - ₹200 per kg. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as Assam Joha Rice Cultivators Guild, or government emporia and cooperatives in Assam.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI-25 · Assam · reviewed

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Joha Rice of Assam?

This catalogue lists Joha Rice of Assam as GI-25. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Joha Rice of Assam made?

Joha Rice of Assam is produced in Assam, in the agricultural category of this catalogue.

Can Joha Rice of Assam legally be made outside Assam?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Assam may legally sell goods under the name “Joha Rice of Assam”.

What does genuine Joha Rice of Assam cost?

Genuine Joha Rice of Assam typically sells in the range of ₹100 - ₹200 per kg. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Joha Rice of Assam?

Grains are remarkably tiny and pack an intense, native pop-corn type natural fragrance that fills a room during low boiling.

Where should I buy genuine Joha Rice of Assam?

Look for authorised sellers such as Assam Joha Rice Cultivators Guild, or government emporia and cooperatives in Assam.