The Story the Grain Tells.
Everything documented about Kala Namak Rice - its 2,600-year history, its GI certification and the nutrition science that earned it the title of Nutri-crop.
Cultivated Since the Time of the Buddha.
Kala Namak Rice is an aromatic heirloom landrace native to the Terai belt of Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh - cultivated since roughly 600 BCE. Its name comes from its black husk (kala = black, namak = salt).
It is also called "Buddha Rice": according to historical accounts, Lord Buddha gifted rice grains to villagers near ancient Kapilvastu, and excavations at Aligarhwa (identified as Kapilvastu) uncovered carbonized grains resembling this variety.
For the people behind the revival of this grain, read our founder's story →
Officially Protected by the Government of India.
Kala Namak Rice holds a registered Geographical Indication - legal recognition that this rice belongs to, and can only authentically come from, its native region.
GI Application No. 205
Registered under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act.
Journal No. 50 - 7 May 2013
Published in the Geographical Indications Journal by the Government of India.
11 Districts of Eastern UP
The GI covers the traditional growing belt of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Valid Until 24 March 2030
The registration was renewed and remains in force.
Designated a Nutri-crop by the Government of India.
Kala Namak Rice contains roughly 10.6–11% protein - nearly double most common rice varieties - along with elevated iron and zinc. It has a low glycemic index of 49–52, and is officially designated a Nutri-crop by the Government of India for its micronutrient density.
- • ~11% Protein (nearly 2× common rice)
- • Elevated Iron & Zinc
- • Low Glycemic Index: 49–52
- • Naturally Aromatic, Easy to Digest
An Export-Cleared Heritage Grain.
Kala Namak Rice is export-cleared under Indian government policy - including a dedicated duty waiver for exports - and already reaches tables in Singapore, Nepal and Dubai. ENORA is actively building direct international shipping.
• Geographical Indications Journal No. 50, Government of India - GI Application No. 205 (published 7 May 2013); renewal valid until 24 March 2030.
• Government of India notification designating Kala Namak Rice a Nutri-crop; nutritional analyses citing ~10.6–11% protein and GI 49–52.
• Archaeological reports on carbonized rice grains from excavations at Aligarhwa (ancient Kapilvastu).