President Droupadi Murmu recently addressed the 2nd Indian Rice Congress at the National Rice Research Institute in Cuttack, where she emphasized the importance of finding a middle path between preserving and conserving traditional varieties of rice and maintaining ecological balance.
Rice is a crucial food grain that feeds a large number of people, especially in Asia, and India is the largest exporter of rice globally, ensuring basic food security for many people around the world. However, the growth and expansion of rice cultivation has led to several challenges, particularly in terms of water usage and soil health.
In the last century, as irrigation facilities expanded, rice cultivation has spread to new regions and reached new consumers. However, this shift has had an impact on the water regime of some regions, as paddy requires a high amount of water. Climate change has led to increased frequency of droughts, floods, and cyclones, making rice cultivation more vulnerable.
In addition to the challenges posed by water usage, excessive use of fertilizers in rice cultivation has led to soil degradation. To maintain a healthy soil, it is necessary to reduce dependence on such fertilizers. President Murmu expressed confidence in the ability of scientists to devise an eco-friendly rice production system that addresses these challenges.
The President also highlighted the rich biodiversity of rice in India, where every region has its own unique variety of rice with a distinct taste. She emphasized the need to preserve and conserve these traditional varieties of rice, particularly those grown by tribal communities in Odisha who have conserved unique genetic resources for generations.
President Murmu also stressed the importance of maintaining the nutritional value of rice, as a large section of low-income groups depend on rice as their sole source of daily nutrition. To combat malnutrition, it is necessary to incorporate essential micronutrients such as proteins and vitamins into the daily diet.
She expressed happiness over the development of India's first high-protein rice, CR-Dhan 310, and a high-zinc variety called CR Dhan 315, which will help improve the country's nutrition profile.
President Murmu emphasized the crucial role of science in serving society, and called upon scientists to continue their efforts in finding a sustainable solution that balances the need to preserve traditional rice varieties and maintain ecological balance, while also improving the nutritional value of rice and ensuring food security for all.
