The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently made a significant advancement in the field of agriculture with the successful testing of two new dwarf varieties of Kalanamak rice: Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1638 and Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1652 in Uttar Pradesh. These innovative varieties offer double the yield compared to traditional alternatives, addressing and potentially resolving issues of lodging which have been contributing to lower yields.
Overview of Kalanamak Rice
Kalanamak rice is a traditional paddy variety characterized by its black husks and unique, strong fragrance. It has a rich history, believed to be a divine gift from Lord Buddha to the people of Sravasti during his visit to the region after reaching enlightenment. It is recognized as an ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) under the ODOP scheme and is considered an ODOP product of Siddharthnagar, an aspirational district located in the Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh. The rice is predominantly cultivated in 11 districts within the Terai region of northeastern Uttar Pradesh and also in neighboring Nepal. It has received protection under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag system.
Economical and Environmental Advantages for Farmers
Kala Namak rice offers various benefits to farmers due to its natural cultivation process, which typically does not involve the use of pesticides or fertilizers. This not only makes it an eco-friendly crop but also reduces the overall farming expenses for growers.
Health Benefits of Kalanamak Rice
Kala Namak rice is known to provide a myriad of health benefits due to its nutritional properties. Actings as an antioxidant similar to anthocyanin, it aids in preventing cardiovascular diseases and promoting skin care. The rice is also rich in micronutrients such as zinc and iron, hence it helps in combating diseases caused by deficiencies of these elements. Regular consumption of Kalanamak rice may also contribute to preventing Alzheimer’s disease, and it is believed to assist in strengthening the body, enhancing cell regrowth, and controlling conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and skin damage.
Challenges with Traditional Kalanamak Rice
Despite its numerous benefits, the cultivation of traditional Kalanamak rice comes with its own set of challenges. The most significant issue being that it’s tall and prone to lodging. This phenomenon, where the plant top becomes heavy due to grain formation, weakens the stem and causes the plant to topple over on the ground. As a result, this negatively affects grain filling and diminishes overall quality.
Legal Framework for Geographical Indications (GIs)
The significance of geographical indications (GIs) in the agricultural sector has been recognized by governments from all around the world. In order to comply with the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999. Article 22(1) of the TRIPS Agreement defines GIs as “indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a Member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin”.
