Chak Hao gifted to UAE Queen Mother puts Manipur on world map: CM Singh
Synopsis
When PM Modi gifted GI-tagged Chak Hao black rice to the UAE's Queen Mother during his five-nation tour, it wasn't just a diplomatic courtesy — it was a quiet elevation of Manipur's agricultural identity onto a global stage, drawing praise from the state's Chief Minister and fresh attention to the region's underrecognised indigenous produce.
Key Takeaways
Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh praised PM Narendra Modi for gifting GI-tagged Chak Hao (black rice) to the Queen Mother of the UAE .
The gesture was part of Modi's recently concluded five-nation tour covering the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy .
Singh called Chak Hao a symbol of Manipur's heritage, resilience, and agricultural excellence .
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla separately highlighted Chak Hao, Kachai Lemon , and Tamenglong Orange as products with global market potential at an event at Central Agricultural University, Imphal .
Bhalla called for integrating traditional farming with modern technology and strengthening market linkages to drive rural prosperity.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday, 22 May hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to present GI-tagged black rice 'Chak Hao' to the Queen Mother of the UAE as a moment of immense pride for the state and its farming community. The gesture, made during Modi's recently concluded five-nation tour, placed one of Manipur's most celebrated indigenous products on a prominent diplomatic stage.
What the Chief Minister Said
Singh, in social media posts, described the Prime Minister's choice as a thoughtful act that amplified Manipur's identity globally. In a Facebook post, he wrote: 'It is a matter of immense pride for every Manipuri that Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji chose to present Manipur's renowned GI-Tagged Chak Hao (Black Rice) to the Queen Mother of the UAE.'
He further stated: 'This thoughtful gesture not only showcases the unique identity of Manipur on the global stage but also honours the hard work of our farmers, the richness of our land, and the enduring traditions that have nurtured this extraordinary crop for generations.'
Chak Hao: More Than a Grain
According to Singh, Chak Hao is not merely a delicacy — it is a symbol of Manipur's heritage, resilience, and agricultural excellence. The rice variety, known for its deep purple-black hue and nutritional richness, holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag that certifies its origin and authenticity. Singh called on citizens to support local farmers, promote indigenous products, and take pride in sharing Manipur's best with the world.
Modi's Five-Nation Tour
Prime Minister Modi recently concluded a landmark diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The gifting of Chak Hao to the UAE's Queen Mother was among the cultural gestures that drew attention during the visit, underscoring India's practice of using indigenous products as soft-power instruments in high-level diplomacy.
Governor Bhalla's Push for Agricultural Recognition
Separately, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, while addressing an event at the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Imphal, highlighted that products such as Chak Hao, Kachai Lemon, and Tamenglong Orange reflect the state's cultural and ecological wealth. Bhalla emphasised integrating traditional farming practices with modern technology, promoting climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening market linkages, and fostering entrepreneurship among the youth. With scientific support and improved market access, he said, these products can drive rural prosperity and earn global recognition.
The confluence of diplomatic visibility and institutional support signals a broader push to position Manipur's agricultural heritage as both a cultural asset and an economic opportunity for the state's farming communities.
Point of View
But Manipur's farmers will measure success not in diplomatic photo opportunities but in whether global visibility translates into better procurement prices and expanded export access. The Governor's remarks at CAU point to the real gap: market linkages and value-addition infrastructure remain underdeveloped. Diplomatic gifting opens a door; policy follow-through is what determines whether anyone walks through it.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chak Hao and why is it significant?
Chak Hao is a GI-tagged black rice variety native to Manipur, known for its deep purple-black colour, nutritional richness, and cultural heritage. It holds a Geographical Indication tag certifying its authentic origin in Manipur, and is regarded as a symbol of the state's agricultural identity.
Why did PM Modi gift Chak Hao to the UAE Queen Mother?
PM Modi presented Chak Hao to the Queen Mother of the UAE during his five-nation diplomatic tour as a cultural gesture highlighting India's indigenous agricultural heritage. The gifting of GI-tagged local products is part of India's broader soft-power diplomacy approach.
What did Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh say about the gesture?
CM Singh called it a matter of immense pride for every Manipuri, saying the gesture showcased the state's unique identity on the global stage and honoured the hard work of Manipur's farming community. He urged citizens to support local farmers and promote indigenous products.
What other GI-tagged products does Manipur have?
Apart from Chak Hao black rice, Manipur is known for GI-associated products including Kachai Lemon and Tamenglong Orange, which Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted as products with significant cultural, ecological, and export potential.
What steps are being taken to promote Manipur's agricultural products globally?
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, speaking at the Central Agricultural University in Imphal, called for integrating traditional agricultural practices with modern technology, promoting climate-resilient farming, strengthening infrastructure and market linkages, and fostering entrepreneurship among youth to drive rural prosperity and global recognition.
