News Highlight
Kalanamak rice is considered a gift from Lord Buddha to the people of Sravasti when he visited the region after enlightenment,it is all set to get a new look and name.
Key Takeaway
- The traditional variety has been prone to ‘lodging’, a reason for its low yield.
- Lodging is a condition in which the top of the plant becomes heavy because of grain formation, the stem becomes weak, and the plant falls to the ground.
- Addressing the problem, the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) has successfully developed two dwarf varieties of Kalanamak rice.
- They have been named Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1638 and Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1652.
- The yield of the new varieties is double that of the traditional variety.
Kalanamak rice
- Location
- Kalanamak rice is grown in 11 districts of the Terai region of northeastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
- This variety has been cultivated since the Buddhist period (600 BC).
- Name
- It derives its name from the black husk (kala = black; the suffix ‘namak’ means salt).
- It is known as ‘Buddha ka Mahaprasad’ (an offering to Lord Buddha).
- Features
- Rich in micro-nutrients such as Iron and Zinc. Therefore, having this rice is said to prevent diseases from iron and Zinc deficiencies.
- It has 11% protein, almost double that of ordinary rice varieties. Besides, it has a low Glycemic Index (49% to 52%), making it “Sugar-Free” and suitable for even diabetic people.
- It was featured in the book ‘Speciality rice of the world by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
- Geographical Indication (GI) tag
- The traditional Kalanamak rice is protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag system.
- Various efforts
- The Government of Uttar Pradesh promotes Kala Namak rice under One District One Product (ODOP).
- The Government of India, through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), has taken various initiatives to promote Kala Namak rice.
Indian Agriculture Research Institute
- About
- The Indian Agricultural Research Institute, commonly known as the Pusa Institute, is India’s national institute for agricultural research, education and extension.
- Foundation
- It was established in 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
- It is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
- Functions
- It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture, including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.
Content Source: The Hindu