Context:
Swati Nayak (scientist, International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre), known for her research on climate-resilient and nutritious rice varieties, recently won the Norman Borlaug Field Award 2023.
- She also said own varieties such as Kala Namak (seed variety of paddy found in eastern India) have to be conserved for both scientific and cultural purposes.
About Kalanamak rice:
- A traditional variety of paddy with a black husk and a strong fragrance.
- Nomenclature – It has black husk (Kala) and mild salty (namak) taste.
- Referred as Buddha Rice – Considered a ‘gift from Lord Buddha’ to the people of the Sravasti when he visited the region after enlightenment.
- Areas Grown – Terai region of northeastern Uttar Pradesh and Nepal.
- Health Benefits –
- Antioxidant (anthocyanin) – Prevention of cardiovascular disease and the advancement of skincare.
- Micronutrients (zinc and iron) – Prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- Low Glycemic Index – Making it relatively sugar Free and suitable for diabetics.
- Importance – New varieties resolves the issue of lodging
- Awards –
- Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2013.
- One District One Product – ODOP (Siddharthnagar, UP).
Lodging is the displacement of stem and roots of plants from their proper and vertical placement either due to the higher Nitrogen application, higher wind speed, excessive soil moisture, soil density, storm damage, sowing date or over plant population.
Related Information:
- In 2022, Indian Agriculture Research Institute has successfully tested two new dwarf varieties of Kalanamak rice — Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1638 and Pusa Narendra Kalanamak 1652 in Uttar Pradesh that give double the yield.
- Breeding process – By bringing the dwarfing genes from the rice variety Bindli Mutant 68, and Pusa Basmati 1176 was used as a parent to cross with Kalanamak.
Norman E. Borlaug Award:
- Presented by – World Food Prize Foundation
- Endowed by – Rockefeller Foundation
- Purpose – To honor individuals under the age of 40 who have achieved remarkable, science-based accomplishments in international agriculture and food production.
- Named after Norman E. Borlaug– Father of the Green Revolution and also 1970 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
- Father of India’s Green Revolution – Dr. MS Swaminathan
- It incorporates the image of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug at work in the fields of Mexico and a cash prize of USD 10,000.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
“System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practised, results in :
1. Reduced seed requirement
2. Reduced methane production
3. Reduced electricity consumption
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
