The central government has informed that 20 traditional varieties of rice have been restored in tamil Nadu. According to a statement issued by the Central Department of Science and Technology, the majority of the small and medium farmers of tamil Nadu have lost their traditional rice seeds, which they used to grow traditionally, due to hybrid monoculture cultivation.
The unique nutritional and ecological qualities of these seeds have been identified, around 20 traditional rice varieties have been identified, collected and restored in tamil Nadu and more than 500 farmers in the state are benefiting through community seed banks, the report said.
Also, Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Erode, Kanchipuram, Karur, Madurai, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Ranipettai, Salem, Sivagangai, Tenkasi, Thanjavur, Thoothukudi, Thiruvannamalai, Tiruvarur, Tiruchirappalli, Villupuram, Virudhunagar. Identify willing farmers with the help of local NGOs in 24 districts.
It is reported that they have been encouraged through these community seed banks and each beneficiary has been given Rs.2000 to strengthen the traditional paddy seed banks. Besides, the rice seed exchange festival organized in collaboration with NGO CREATE in Tiruvarur helped distribute traditional rice seed varieties such as Karupu Kauni, Thuya Malli, Mappillai Samba, Karunkuruvai and others, the statement said.
