Traditional grains: A view of the experimental farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dakshina Kannada, where traditional rice varieties are being evaluated. The seed material was sourced from Padma Shri awardee Satyanarayan Beleri
The seed material was obtained from Padma Shri awardee Satyanarayan Beleri, who has conserved more than 650 traditional rice varieties. The paddy seeds were sown on Aug 3 and transplanted on Aug 24, said Mallikarjuna L, scientist-soil science and senior scientist, ICAR, KVK, Dakshina Kannada. Mangaluru: Ten traditional rice varieties, known for their aromatic, nutritional and reported medicinal properties, are being scientifically evaluated at the experimental plots of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dakshina Kannada, to identify those best suited to the coastal region. Stay updated with the latest Mangaluru news.
The initiative aims to identify promising varieties for introduction into the seed and food chains, benefiting both farmers and consumers, said TJ Ramesha, senior scientist and head, ICAR-KVK, Dakshina Kannada. The initiative also aims to combine indigenous agricultural knowledge with scientific assessment to promote on-farm biodiversity, sustainable cultivation and resilient seed and food systems along the west coast,” scientists said. The ten varieties under evaluation are detailed in the graphic. “Through the evaluation, KVK Dakshina Kannada seeks to conserve and validate traditional rice diversity while identifying varieties suited to local conditions and preferred by farmers. Download the TOI App.
