Traditionally cultivated rice varieties in coastal saline soils of India

Abstract

India produces 106.29 million tonnes of rice (2013-14). Rice is the most important cereal crop in India with regards to production, consumption as a principal food and area occupied and thus occupies a prominent place in Indian agriculture. It is cultivated over an area of 45.54 million hectares. Rice ecosystems are classified into 5 major types: irrigated, uplands, rainfed lowlands, deep water and coastal wetlands (saline soils). The salt affected soils in the coastal area spread over 2.52 Mha, covering 11 states and union territories, comprising about 30 % of the total salt affected soils of India are recognized by different local terms. These ecosystems are characterized by sea water intrusion, low lying water logged areas, flood prone and ill drained lands. The soil texture of coastal saline soils is coarse sandy to fine loamy, slightly calcareous and moderately saline to alkaline. These soils are low in nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc and organic matter. Rice cultivation in kharif (monsoon season) along with fresh water fish and vegetables like brinjal or okra followed by brackish water acquaculture during summer without rice is observed. Traditionally cultivated local rice varieties have tolerance to salinity and submergence but are low yielding. Some of the widely used varieties are: Vikas, Korgut, Sathi, Picha neelu, Kuthiru, Kalundai samba, Bhurarata, Karekagga and Nona Bokra. These diverse traditional rice varieties are precious genetic resources that provide ecological balance and their conservation is crucial for future food security.