| CSK H.P. Agriculture University, Palampur 176062Media Cell मीडिया प्रकोष्ठ01894-283108, 9418097070 hirdaypaulsingh@gmail.com www: hillagric.ac.in No.QSD/PR/647 Dated: 9 Sept 2021 |
Apple News, Palampur
CSK H.P. Agriculture University has recently submitted application for GI(Geographical Indication) registration of Japonica Red Rice of the state to the Geographical Indications Registry Office, Chennai.
This was disclosed by Prof H.K.Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor. He said that the University was also working on three projects on the aspect of GI tagging of Red Rice of the state, Karsog Kulthi and Chamba Chukh. He has directed the scientists to file at least fifty GI registration applications in this Golden Jubilee of H.P. Statehood. After getting GI, the farmers get national and international recognition for that particular crop or commodity which helps them to get highly remunerative price benefitting them financially.
Elaborating on red rice, he told that one of the many treasures of Himachal Pradesh is its red rice varieties. These include Chhohartu from Shimla district; Sukara, Jhinjan and Karad from Chamba district; Jattu, Deval and Matali from Kullu district; and Desi Dhan, Kalizhini, Achhoo, and Begmi from Kangra district grown in different parts of the state at different altitudes since times immemorial. Red kernelled rices command higher price, nutritionally superior, rich in iron and zinc and numerous trace elements and vitamins and in addition have high anti-oxidant properties. These red rice varieties belong to both indica and japonica sub-species.
Prof H.K.Chaudhary told that unlike red rices of Kerala and other states, the red rices of H.P are adapted to cooler climates. In view of this, the University is making efforts to get GI for Japonica Red Rices adapted to areas above 1000m amsl in the State. In addition of being nutritive and having medicinal value, red rices possess many other special features. Red rice is also an important part of all religious ceremonies in Himachal Pradesh. Chhohartu, a farmers’ red rice variety grown in Chhohara Valley, Rohru (Shimla) is a part of cultural heritage of the area.
Since times immemorial the paddy of this variety is gifted under different names on various occasions like marriages, religious ceremonies, child birth etc. The rice of this variety is served during community lunches and yajnas. The Pichh, excess water of thick consistency decanted after cooking of rice, of this red rice is considered very useful for pregnant ladies and children. Red rice is also used for making beverages in many areas of the state.
According to Prof H.K.Chaudhary his University has maintained more than 30 land races of red rice collected from different parts of the State. The University has released two improved varieties of red rice viz; HPR 2720 (Palam Lal Dhan 1) and HPR 2795(Him Palam Lal Dhan 1) with high iron and zinc content besides having tolerance to major diseases and pests. Prof. Chaudhary told that the University has got the ‘Chhoartu Lal Dhan’ land race from Rohru registered from Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmers Rights Authority at the national level.
The University has constituted task forces for GI registration of different crops, animal genetic resources and commodities of Himachal Pradesh like Red Rice, Basmati Rice, Rajmash (from Chamba, Bharmour, Barot, Kinnaur , Lahaul & Spiti and Seraj Areas ), Kulthi ( from Karsog, Nurpur, Sirmour and Shimla), Mash (from Chamba, Berthin and Sirmour ), White Honey, Ginger, Zimikand, Nadauni Mooli, Cucumber, Ghandiali, Foxtail Orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa), Gaddi dog, Spiti Pony, Tissa pony and pashmina , chigu goat, Poultry (Red Jungle Fowl), Products and Goods prepared by the college of Community Home Science, Pattu and Dohroo, Seabuckthorn, Kinnauri Chulli and Mori,etc. The Vice-Chancellor himself is chairman of a task force to get GI for Rajmash.
