Plan Underway To Revive 'mushk Budji' Rice Variety
Mushk Budji, an indigenous aromatic rice variety from Kashmir, is on the brink of a significant revival, as authorities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have unveiled plans to expand its cultivation area to 5,000 hectares within the next three years. This move comes as a ray of hope for a high-cost traditional rice variety that was on the verge of extinction due to various challenges.
Mushkbudji Rice
- It is short, bold aromatic rice grown in the higher reaches of Kashmir valley.
- The cooked rice is unique and possesses a harmonious blend of taste, aroma and rich organoleptic properties.
- It is mainly is grown in areas of Sagam, Panzgam and Soaf Shali of district Anantnag and Beerwah belt of district Budgam.
- The consumption of aromatic rice in Kashmir has now been limited to special occasions, marriages, and festivals.
Challenges Faced by Mushk Budji Rice
- The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) experts highlighted several factors that pushed Mushk Budji rice to the brink of extinction. These included its vulnerability to blast disease, non-uniformity in production, a shortage of quality seeds, poor yield potential due to strain mixing, and the expansion of high-yielding paddy varieties in the region.
- As a result, the cultivation of Mushk Budji rice was confined to a few pockets of the Kashmir Valley, with its acreage steadily shrinking over the years.
Geographical Indication (GI) Recognition
- In a significant development, Mushk Budji rice was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in August, thanks to the relentless efforts of the agriculture department and SKUAST. This recognition not only acknowledges the unique qualities of this rice variety but also opens doors for its wider promotion and protection.
An Ambitious Expansion Plan
- Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director of the Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Kashmir, shared insights into their ambitious plan to revive Mushk Budji rice. The focus is on expanding its cultivation area by identifying suitable regions across the Valley. The aim is to bring 5,000 hectares of land under Mushk Budji rice cultivation in the next three years.
- This expansion is part of the larger “Holistic Development of Agriculture and Allied Sectors” program, which received approval from J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha last year. The program boasts an outlay of Rs 5,013 crore over the next five years and encompasses 29 projects. Its overarching goal is to transform the agriculture economy of J&K, boost exports, and usher in a new era of prosperity for farmers in the Union Territory.
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