Huanjiang fragrant sticky rice becomes national geographical indication product

Huanjiang fragrant sticky rice, which is a specialty of Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has been designated as a China Protected Geographical Indication Product, according to the Huanjiang agriculture and rural affairs bureau.

The geographical indication of agricultural products is a special indicator showing that agricultural products originate from a specific region, with their quality and characteristics mainly depending on natural ecological environment and historical factors.

Huanjiang fragrant sticky rice is a precious and rare cereal crop that has been cultivated since the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and has a history of more than 400 years. The main production areas include 52 villages (communities) in four townships of Huanjiang Maonan autonomous county, as well as Wenzhou village, Yong'an village, Yongquan village, and Yamai village in Luoyang township.

In 2019, Huanjiang planted more than 20,000 mu (1,333.33 hectares) in fragrant sticky rice. The total output reached 60,000 tons, with an output value exceeding 120 million yuan ($16.96 million), directly driving farmers to increase their income by 1,500 yuan to 2,000 yuan per mu.