[ad_1]
In the recent report of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, it has been revealed that the cultivation of Dehraduni Basmati in Dehradun has rapidly reduced from 410 hectares to only 158 hectares. 1240 farmers were studied in this survey covering 79 villages of Dehradun district in Sahaspur, Vikasnagar, Raipur, and Doiwala blocks.
Reduction in paddy fields by more than 60 percent
In 2018, 680 farmers cultivated Dehradun Basmati on 410.18 hectares of land. In 2022, only 517 farmers are cultivating 157.83 hectares of land. Similarly, other Basmati varieties, which were earlier sown by 560 farmers on 420.38 hectares of land, were also reduced to 180.76 hectares by 486 farmers in 2022. Even today 560 farmers cultivate Dehradun Basmati.
680 families have switched to other Basmati varieties due to economic reasons. There is no proper seed conservation program for Dehradun Basmati. Due to propagation of HYV’s by government agencies the best gene pool of this Basmati rice is being lost. Basmati is either losing its pure strains or mixing with other degraded varieties.
Responsible for pesticides, untimely rains and pollution reduction
About 90% of the farmers believe that the use of chemical fertilizers in the previous crops, about 82% of the farmers believe that untimely rains are the reason. Whereas 62% to climate change. Whereas 50% farmers also consider increasing pollution in rivers and canals as the main reason for the declining cultivation of Basmati. 74% farmers believe that the increasing market of adulterated Basmati has put Dehraduni Basmati in danger.
The board said that the real reason is urbanization
Dehradun was also called ‘Dhan Chakki’. But now it has become a cement jungle. The main reason is urbanization. Chairman of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, Ghanshyam Mohan has said that the main reason for the decline in Basmati rice is urbanization, which is leading to loss of agricultural land. It is decreasing.
Mohan further said that the main objective of this study conducted by Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board five years ago was to identify the reasons behind the decline in Basmati and overall agricultural productivity. During the investigation, we tried to gather NGOs, Basmati marketers, farmers and experts on one platform.
What do the farmers of Dehradun say?
Former soldier and farmer Surya Prakash Bahuguna has said that by 2017, the price of Basmati had fallen to Rs 400/quintal for germ-free Basmati. From 2009 to 2013, Basmati paddy bags were available at good prices. Rs 3800/quintal in 2009 and Rs 4800/quintal in 2013.
In the future, despite low productivity, many farmers intend to continue cultivating Dehradun Basmati. According to him, there is less risk in the cultivation of Dehradun Basmati if fertilizers are not used, especially urea and DAP. It shows resistance even to strong species. Its aroma, taste, and cooking quality are excellent.
preserving tradition
Rishi Pal Rana, resident of Jagatpur Khadar village, is a third generation Basmati farmer. He told the survey team that I grow Dehradun Basmati and other paddy varieties on my 40 bigha land. Our family has preserved our traditional Basmati seeds for hundreds of years. Basmati farming has been a part of our family for more than 100 years, starting from my grandfather’s era. But the basmati rice of my father and grandfather was superior in quality and production.
Government is also responsible
Narendra Jain and his family, who have been trading Dehradun Basmati for many generations, say that he was the main rice trader and mill owner of Majra. Presently, he runs a shopping complex at the site of his rice mill. The shortage of Dehradun Basmati is the result of government neglect. Many plans but all are failing.
Earlier, field staff, earlier known as Gram Sevaks and now Village Development Officers (VDOs) used to provide positive assistance to the farmers. However, his participation has reduced after taking up the official role. The apathy of field staff in various departments, including agriculture, horticulture, block development office and revenue department, has failed to connect with the local needs of the area.
Dehradun Basmati: Better option for health?
According to farmers, when fertilizers, especially urea and DAP, are not used in Dehraduni Basmati cultivation, the risk is less. Sowing of this robust variety shows tolerance against diseases and pests. Its aroma, taste, and cooking quality are incomparable.
Ayurveda considers Basmati rice to be pure, easily digestible, and nutritious for the body tissues. It helps in balancing the three doshas associated with human health – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In contemporary times, many doctors recommend Dehradun Basmati for diabetic patients as it is believed to be a healthy carbohydrate option with a low to moderate glycemic index.
Dehradun Basmati and GI Tag
Basmati received the GI tag in 2015 when produced in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. To date, around 370 specialty products of India have received GI status, including Cinnamon Tea, Mysore Silk, Kashmir Pashmina, Phulkari Punjab, Nagpur Orange, Mizo Chilli. Himachal Pradesh has received GI tag for apricot oil and has applied for pine nuts.
[ad_2]
www.aajtak.in
