Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

Kalo Nunia (Bengal Black Nunia) Rice

Kalo Nunia is a rare indigenous aromatic rice with a black husk, nicknamed the 'Prince of Rice' and a favourite of the Cooch Behar Maharaja Nripendra Narayan. It is a small, slender, highly fragrant grain (often called 'small basmati') grown in the Rajganj, Sadar, Maynaguri, Dhupguri and Nagrakata blocks of Jalpaiguri. It received a GI tag in 2024, which has protected its name and steadily pushed up its price and sales. A buyer gets a premium scented rice in 1 kg packets, prized for its aroma, soft texture and quick 10-minute cook time.

Typical price: ₹150-400 per kg (1 kg packets around 200-300)

Buying tip: Look for 1 kg retail packets sold by local dealers and agri-producers' associations; since the GI tag dates from 2024, ask for the GI mark on the pack to verify authenticity and prefer fresh aman-season stock.