Agri News : Model for conserving indigenous paddy varieties

A model evolved for applying traditional wisdom in farming has also helped in conserving indigenous paddy varieties that are under threat of extinction.

The Biodiversity Rainfed Farming System, promoted by Rural Organisation for Social Education, a not-for-profit voluntary organisation, in four blocks of Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu, has revived the cultivation of 18 indigenous paddy varieties that are disease and drought-resistant. Farmers also believe that they contain medicinal properties.

The system, successfully experimented with funding from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, factors in population explosion, which demands higher productivity, and climate change, which necessitates optimal use of available water.

The results of the NABARD-funded pilot project, ‘Conserving traditional paddy varieties having medicinal values’, in 30 acres among 15 marginal farmers have encouraged many small and medium farmers to raise them in about 500 acres in Annavasal, Arimalam, Kunnandarkoil and Pudukottai blocks.

The 18 varieties raised using System of Rice Intensification techniques include Mappillai Samba, Garudan Samba, Poongar, Karunguruvai, Chandikar, Thooyamalli, Thanga Samba, Manjal Ponni, Milagi and Sornamusiri.

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/