Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
Why in News?
Agricultural scientists at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), has recently achieved significant breakthroughs in improving the variety’s resilience and productivity by mutagenesis.
Recent Developments and Improvements
- Traditional Challenges - Historically, the rice had a tall stature (up to 165 cm), making it vulnerable to lodging (falling over) in adverse weather, and it had a long maturity period (155 days) and relatively low yields.
- Improved Features - This research has led to the development of new mutant lines that have a reduced height (around 105 cm), shorter maturity period (around 120 days), and higher yields (up to 30-35 quintals per hectare).
- The research is making it more commercially viable while retaining its signature fragrance and quality.
Adam Chini Rice
- The name "Adam Chini Rice" (also known as "Adamchini Chawal") is a rice variety primarily grown in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
- Type - Traditional, aromatic, short-grained, non-Basmati rice variety. It is considered a unique landrace variety.
- Appearance - Known for its small, sugar crystal-like grains, which is where the name "Adamchini" (where chini means sugar in Hindi) is believed to originate.
- Qualities - It has impressive cooking qualities, including intermediate amylose content, which helps the cooked rice remain fluffy and soft on cooling.
- Resilience - Traditionally known to be drought-tolerant and disease-resistant.
- Nutritional Value - It is rich in carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and contains vitamins (Vitamin-D, B group vitamins) and minerals (iron).
- Geographical Indication (GI) Status - This variety of rice was awarded the GI Tag in 2023.
- Significance - The GI tag provides legal protection and a unique identity, ensuring the name "Adamchini Chawal" is exclusive to the rice grown in this specified region.
Reference
New Indian Express | Adam Chini Rice
