Revitalizing native aromatic rice varieties: a new hope for the rural biotechnology sector in india

Rice is integral part of Indian tradition and it is considered "Holy Grain" in country. India is centre of origin of rice thus it has great level of diversity. Jharkhand state alone is native place for more than one thousand rice varieties, of which few are having scented characteristics with distinct pleasant aroma and flavour. These scented rice varieties are mostly short grained type and some are having medium grained character. Aroma of these scented rice varieties are very much location specific. Separate indigenous aromatic rice varieties are grown for all type of land topography viz. upland, mid-land and low land, under rainfed conditions in the state. Changing climatic conditions, introduction of high yielding/ hybrid varieties, lack of scientific interventions and unorganised market had forced farmers to confined indigenous scented rice varieties cultivation for own consumption only. An attempt was made for promotion of indigenous rice varieties of Jharkhand state by with ten most popular scented varieties. These varieties were grown to obtain pure seeds by removing off type mixture. A multilocation trial was conducted at five different locations of Ranchi district on farmer’s field to assess most promising variety with market preference following standard improved growing practices through organic inputs. Biological methods for disease and pest control were followed. Two varieties namely Bhutaku and Tulasi Mukul were selected for commercialization based on farmer’s response and market needs. Seed production programme for large scale area expansion was carried out on participatory mode at farmer’s field for these two varieties. Promotion programme were organised to aware consumers and generate demand. Farmers were provided marketing linkages which has insured the boost up of B: C ratio of rice growers from 1.33 to 2.56. With the better return, increasing market demand and climate resilient cultivation techniques area as well as production of these two heirloom varieties has turn up many folds