Context
High-yielding hybrid rice varieties have improved yields and farmer profits, but they threaten the survival of traditional varieties such as basmati. This raises concerns about biodiversity loss, genetic erosion, and the decline of India’s rich agricultural heritage.
Key Highlights
- Significance of Basmati Rice
- Global Recognition: Famous for aroma, long grains, and unique flavor.
- Cultural Value: Referenced in classics like Heer Ranjha by Waris Shah.
- Economic Importance:
- Major export commodity for India.
- Used worldwide (e.g., biryani, pilaf, sushi).
- India gained market share after U.S. imposed 50% duty on Pakistani basmati.
- GI Tag: Basmati has Geographical Indication status, covering states in northwestern India (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, parts of UP, J&K).
- The Hidden Crisis
- Impact of Hybrid Varieties:
- Short-term profit ↑, yield ↑.
- Long-term cost:
- Decline in traditional basmati and non-basmati rice.
- Genetic dilution due to cross-pollination.
- Loss of distinct traits (aroma, taste, resilience).
- Statistics:
- Debal Deb (agricultural scientist): 60–80% traditional rice varieties lost due to monoculture & neglect.
- Challenges Faced
- Farmers prioritize high-yield hybrids over native varieties.
- Poor awareness of biodiversity value.
- Difficult to maintain genetic purity due to cross-pollination.
- Seed corporations promote hybrids, reducing local seed autonomy.
- Conservation Efforts
- Community Seed Banks (local-level seed exchange).
- Work of “Seed saviors” like Debal Deb (maintains a living seed bank of 1,400+ traditional rice varieties).
- National Gene Bank (ICAR-NBPGR): Conserves indigenous germplasm.
- Policy Measures:
- PPV&FR Act, 2001 (Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmers’ Rights).
- Initiatives to incentivize cultivation of native crops.