Mowsam Hazarika
(mowsam2000@yahoo.co.in)
In a significant milestone for agricultural innovation and food security, Assam Agricultural University (AAU) has proudly announced that its high-yielding purple rice variety, ‘Labanya,’ has been officially registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA). This recognition marks a major step forward not only in the conservation and utilisation of indigenous genetic resources but also in the promotion of nutritionally rich rice varieties that meet the demands of both farmers and consumers alike.
Developed after years of rigorous research and field trials by the university’s rice breeding scientists, Labanya is a product of combining the traditional richness of black rice with modern agronomic traits that make it suitable for large-scale cultivation and contemporary consumer preferences. Its registration under PPVFRA secures its intellectual property rights and affirms its identity as a unique plant variety, thereby protecting the interests of both the university and the farmers who cultivate it.
Purple or black rice, known for its distinctive colour, aromatic quality, and high antioxidant content, has traditionally been grown in small pockets across the Northeastern region of India. While it is celebrated for its health benefits, traditional black rice varieties suffer from several limitations, such as low yield, prolonged cooking time, and sticky texture. These issues often hinder their acceptance among wider sections of the population and reduce their commercial appeal. Labanya has been developed precisely to overcome these challenges. It retains the beneficial qualities of traditional black rice—such as its antioxidant richness and nutritional profile—while incorporating improvements that make it more suitable for modern farming systems and regular dietary use.
One of Labanya’s standout attributes is its impressive yield potential. Field observations show that it can produce between 4.5 and 5.0 tonnes per hectare, a substantial improvement over the 1.5 to 2.0 tonnes per hectare yield of conventional black rice varieties. This leap in productivity can significantly enhance farm income and ensure better food availability. Moreover, Labanya offers a lower glycaemic index, making it a healthier option for people with diabetes and those looking to manage their blood sugar levels. Its aromatic grains and ease of cooking make it a perfect fit for daily meals. Unlike traditional black rice that requires 45 minutes to an hour to cook, Labanya cooks faster and exhibits a non-sticky grain texture, making it palatable for a broader audience.
The variety also boasts a higher head rice recovery rate (around 60%) and an amylose content of approximately 18%, indicating good milling quality and desirable cooking characteristics. Additionally, it is rich in flavonoids, essential amino acids, and minerals, enhancing its appeal in the health food segment. Another key advantage of Labanya is its suitability for value addition. Its nutritional and aesthetic properties make it an ideal ingredient for a wide range of food products. From bakery items like cookies and cakes to traditional Assamese delicacies, the variety fits seamlessly into diverse culinary formats. It is also well-suited for processing into gluten-free flour, catering to the growing demand for alternative grains among health-conscious consumers.
Recognising Labanya’s potential early on, the Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University had directed that the variety be launched for commercialisation even before formal registration and notification by the Government of India. This strategic move enabled the university to tap into its commercial value and ensure its availability to a larger section of stakeholders. Accordingly, Labanya was introduced on e-commerce platforms, which allowed it to reach consumers beyond regional boundaries. Exclusive commercial rights were granted to a local entrepreneur, creating a model of public-private collaboration that prioritises both innovation and local empowerment.
The response was overwhelming. Labanya has now been sold in more than 18 states across India, reflecting its national market penetration. Significantly, over 30% of buyers have returned for repeat purchases, a strong indicator of customer satisfaction and product acceptability. This pattern also underscores the potential for pigmented rice varieties like Labanya to transition from niche products into mainstream dietary staples.
The success story of Labanya is not limited to consumer markets. It is also making a positive impact at the grassroots level among farming communities. Farmers in Assam, Punjab, and even the Union Territory of Daman and Diu have adopted this variety in their fields. This wide adoption speaks volumes about Labanya’s adaptability across different agro-climatic zones. The Government of Daman and Diu has gone a step further by actively promoting its cultivation and dissemination. This governmental support adds institutional strength to the variety’s reach and impact, reinforcing the idea that high-value, nutritionally rich crops can find success beyond traditional growing regions.
Labanya’s journey from a research station to the fields and dining tables of India is a remarkable example of applied agricultural science. It demonstrates how universities can play a crucial role in the development, protection, and promotion of new plant varieties that address both ecological and economic needs. The variety’s registration under PPVFRA ensures that its genetic integrity is preserved and its benefits are fairly shared. This move also acts as a catalyst for similar innovation-driven developments in other crops, especially in a time when there is growing awareness about the need for healthy, climate-resilient, and economically viable crop options.
In the face of changing food preferences, rising health consciousness, and the need for climate-resilient farming practices, Labanya represents a forward-looking step for Indian agriculture. With its high yield, superior nutritional quality, and widespread adaptability, Labanya is well-positioned to become a flagship variety in the realm of speciality rice. The recognition by PPVFRA not only validates its uniqueness and value but also sets a precedent for how agricultural universities can lead from the front in transforming research into real-world impact. Through Labanya, Assam Agricultural University has proven that when tradition meets science, the result can be both profitable and sustainable.