Mysuru – BP Ravishankar, a seed conservator from Hudoor in Ponnampet, Kodagu district, has preserved 57 traditional rice varieties, warning that rising cultivation costs and the spread of commercial crops are driving these desi strains to the brink. Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Desi Rice Mela on Saturday, Ravishankar urged government support to reintroduce these heritage varieties into farmers’ fields.
“For centuries, farmers have safeguarded and cultivated local paddy varieties that are part of our food culture and traditions. It’s our duty to pass them to the next generation. Consumers should choose them for better health,” he said.
Former CFTRI director Sridevi Annapurna Singh highlighted the nutritional and medicinal benefits of traditional rice, noting that black and red rice varieties can help protect health when included in regular diets.
The event also featured contributions from Suresh Kann of the Save Our Rice Campaign (Tamil Nadu), campaign coordinator Shanthakumar C, Renuka Mahila Sangha head Prema Lokkundi, and Bibi Jan, president of the Bibi Fathima Mahila Sangha from Teertha village in Kundagol taluk.
The mela was presided over by G. Krishna Prasad, director of Sahaja Samrudha and the Organic Farmers’ Collective.