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Picture Courtesy: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/return-of-rambhog

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Rambhog paddy has been revived in 60 villages in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh since 2016.

How does Rambhog differ from other paddy varieties?

Rambhog is known for its unique sweet fragrance and flavour. Unlike other paddy varieties, which may lack a strong aroma, Rambhog's sweet scent and flavour have become its trademark.

Revival of Rambhog paddy

The key factor in the revival of Rambhog paddy has been the collaborative effort of over 300 farmers, agricultural experts, and non-profit organizations since 2016. They worked together to rediscover and cultivate this indigenous variety of rice.

They overcame obstacles such as a scarcity of authentic seeds and degraded soil conditions by employing sustainable and organic farming practices.

What economic benefits do farmers gain from cultivating Rambhog?

Farmers in Daheli village (Uttar Pradesh) save a lot of money on input costs. For example, by switching to Rambhog, a farmer saved Rs 85,000 per acre on input costs.

In comparison with hybrid paddy, the crop does not require costly fertilisers, pesticides, or insecticides.

Farmers use low-cost homemade compost and organic fertilisers, making the farming process both environmentally friendly and financially viable.

Market demand for Rambhog rice

The demand for Rambhog rice has been very high. Farmers are unable to keep up with the demand, as the rice is sought after by both local and urban markets.

Brands like Dhanika and Utsav Arth sell the rice at Rs 150 to Rs 180 per kg, with traders from Delhi, Punjab, Ghaziabad, and Kanpur regularly purchasing the paddy.

As of 2023, farmers have earned about Rs 1 lakh per acre due to the high market demand.

Rambhog cultivation compare to hybrid paddy farming

Rambhog cultivation is considerably less expensive than hybrid paddy farming. Farmers who use hybrid varieties frequently have to invest in chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and insecticides, which raises input costs.

Rambhog only requires organic inputs, such as homemade compost and bio-repellents, which significantly reduces cultivation costs.

The cost-effectiveness, combined with the ability to produce organic and aromatic rice, has made Rambhog a popular choice among farmers.

How has the revival of Rambhog benefited the local farmers?

The revival of Rambhog has not only benefited farmers through higher rice yields and earnings but also provided them with additional sources of income.

Rambhog paddy straw is soft and fragrant, which is used as an important cattle feed source. Farmers reported that the quality of the straw has increased milk production from their buffaloes, which improved their livelihoods.

Rice Varieties and their unique characteristic

Rice Variety	Region	Nutritional Benefits	Health Benefits
Chakhao Poireiton	Manipur	Rich in amino acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanins, protein, fibre, iron, calcium, and vitamins.	Helps fight blood cancer, reduces cholesterol, liver detox, manages blood sugar.
Karungkuruvai	Tamil Nadu	Rich in protein, calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron.	Boosts stamina, aids in fever recovery, anti-cancer properties.
Kattuyanam	Tamil Nadu	High in magnesium, potassium, calcium, dietary fibre, phenolic compounds.	Protects against age-related disorders, helps manage diabetes, heart disease.
Kuzhiadichan	Tamil Nadu	Rich in protein, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium.	Galactogogue, antioxidant, potential use in COVID-19 management.
Kullakar	Tamil Nadu	High in iron, calcium, zinc, antioxidants, fibre.	Helps in weight loss, relieves constipation, boosts immunity, prevents aging.
Mappillai Samba	Tamil Nadu	Rich in iron, calcium, fibre, antioxidants, and phytosterols.	Improves digestion, helps in diabetes, reduces lifestyle disorders.
Kaivari Samba	Tamil Nadu	Rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron.	Ideal for Idly, Dosa; supports bone health, diabetes management.
Kalanamak	Uttar Pradesh	Rich in antioxidants (anthocyanins), protein, iron, calcium, zinc.	Prevents heart disease, skin health, eye health, bone health, lowers blood sugar.
Kitchili Samba	Tamil Nadu	Rich in protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium.	Boosts body sheen, nourishes skin, and supports digestion.
Karuppu Kowni	Tamil Nadu	Rich in antioxidants, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.	Diabetes management, arthritis prevention, aids in oxidative stress.
Gobindabhog	West Bengal	Rich in protein, fibre, antioxidants, and medicinal phytochemicals.	Helps bowel movement, digestive health, and treats various diseases.
Navara	Kerala	Rich in protein, iron, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium.	Good for osteoporosis, liver cirrhosis, and pregnancy. Supports the immune system.
Poongkar	Tamil Nadu	Rich in protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc.	Strengthens pregnant women, aids in smooth delivery, suitable for Pongal.
Salem Samba	Tamil Nadu	Rich in protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, fibre.	Relieves constipation, reduces risk of diabetes, heart diseases, and weight loss.
Neelam Samba	Tamil Nadu	Rich in calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus.	Improves immunity, helps lactating mothers, high in calcium for bone health.