Guwahati: Chakhao, Manipur's black rice, is all set to take the e-auction route. This is the first time that the rice, indigenous to Manipur, is being put up for e-auction.

The e-auction will be done by the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited on its portal from 10am on Friday.

An official said Neramac has already filed application for GI (Geographical Indications) for black rice under the Union commerce ministry.

"As we have filed GI application, we wanted black rice to get more exposure and the trading community to know about it. Hence, we took the e-auction route," he added.

Manipur's agriculture department is collaborating with Neramac in this initiative.

Black rice, locally known as chakhao, is grown in the plains and hills of Manipur where the soil quality is rich. It owes its colour to natural black pigments called anthocyanins which boast of impressive antioxidant activity that adds health benefits of this rice. It is said to be anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, beneficial for heart and to prevent onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Manipur is one of the largest wild rice-growing areas in the world. Semi wild rice varieties are mostly grown in the state.

Black rice has a mild nutty taste and a special aroma because of Manipur's soil and pristine environment. Once cooked, the black colour usually turns deep purple.

The GI application says an important aspect of black rice cultivation is that farmers neither apply agro-chemicals nor use any motorised implements. Only human labour is used for farming.

The production of black rice is around 1,800 MT in Manipur and is cultivated in 600 hectares.

The official said 12 buyers have already registered for the e-auction and 118 metric tonnes will be auctioned on Friday. Of the 12 buyers, three are from Manipur. "We hope the auctions will give farmers a better price for their produce," he added.