Rediscovering the Traditional Paddy Varieties in Jharkhand: Conservation Priority in Hybrid Rice Era

Abstract

Introduction of hybrid rice has obviously broken the vicious cycle of low production, forced seasonal migration and poverty in rural Jharkhand. However, no hybrid can continue unless traditional pure lines are preserved. In Jharkhand, traditional varieties are fast declining and more and more farmers are giving up the cultivation of traditional paddy varieties. This is causing erosion of rich genetic diversity and also the knowledge of preserving the seeds of traditional varieties. This calls for preservation of traditional varieties both at research stations and farmers level. This article tries to rediscover traditional paddy varieties that existed in Jharkhand and institutional intervention for storing the genetic diversity. The article also attempts to explore ways to boost conservation effort for future research and development.