Another important feature is the range of varieties, including the rare Nagaland Special, Pakistani Basmati, Jugal and Shatin. The last two varieties contain more than two and three grains, respectively, in a single rice seed. All these have a stable yield and the seeds can be used for years.
“It is sad that the farmers have turned their backs on these varieties which can compete with the HYVs. Also there isn’t any effort to explore the export potential of fragrant rice varieties,” said Pal.
Perhaps his experiment will mark the beginning of the return to local varieties.
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