User:MrcRjs/Rice of Morelos

Rice from Morelos is a mexican designation of origin that protects and identifies rice (Oryza sativa) in Morelos, a state in the central region of Mexico. Since it has preserved certain characteristics, both genetic as environmental(soil and climate of Morelos), it is considered a high quality rice, highly valued agronomically and gastronomically. The protected varieties are Morelos A-92, Morelos A-98 and Morelos A-2010, developed by the INIFAP in Zacatepec de Hidalgo. The municipality that concentrates the greatest production of rice is Jojutla de Juárez.

Morelos rice earned the designation of origin on February 16 2012.

History
The first rice seeds of purple rice were brought to Morelos Don Ricardo Sánchez and cultivated in 1836 from Guerrero (originally from Asia). Later in 1839 Don Gabino Carrandi would bring white rice seeds to the port of Veracruz seeds of White rice. Both agronomists would meet and mix their respective varieties in Jojutla, the original municipality of rice in Morelos, giving rise to a plant-improved variety. In 1910, rice production in Morelos was already around 12,000 t, while in 1935 it increased to 30,000 t. In 1939 this type of rice begin to be cultivated in Cuautla de Morelos.

Since the arrival of rice in the valleys of Morelos, the plant has been adapting to the environment which allowed the presence of unique and quality characteristics. Currently and since 1980s, this process of plant improvement has been ongoing thanks to studies by the Mexican National Institute of Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock Research (INIFAP). Morelos rice growers watched as various growers from other areas of Mexico began selling under the label "Morelos type rice." Faced with this unfair competition they seeked for the Denomination of Origin, a process that was achieved on February 16, 2012.

Municipalities
The municipalities that have the designation of origin are: Amacuzac, Axochiapan, Cuautla de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Ciudad Ayala, Coatlán del Río, Emiliano Zapata, Jantetelco, Jiutepec, Jojutla, Jonacatepec, Mazatepec, Miacatlán, Puente de Ixtla, Temixco, Tepalcingo, Tetecala, Tlaquiltenango, Tlaltizapán, Xochitepec, Yautepec de Zaragoza y Zacatepec de Hidalgo (22 total).