HT Correspondent
JORHAT, July 30: With several consignments of traditional rice varieties from Assam being rejected in international markets, the Assam Agricultural University (AAU) has initiated a programme to supply pure planting paddy seeds to farmers in order to ensure high-quality produce and revive exports.
Addressing the media at a function held at the university’s main campus in Jorhat, Dr Sanjay Kumar Chetia, Director of Research (Agriculture), said that although traditional rice varieties such as Kola and Kunkoni Joha, and Tora and Kokua Bao had gained recognition abroad, especially in Asian and European countries, export volumes had remained stagnant.
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He attributed this to issues related to seed purity.
Dr Chetia stated that several consignments exported to Middle Eastern and European markets had been returned due to compromised quality, which was found to be the result of impure seeds being used by cultivators. He said the matter was brought to the university’s attention and thoroughly examined.
To address the issue, AAU, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Dr Bidyut Chandan Deka, has begun producing and distributing pure seeds to farmers to maintain the integrity and quality of traditional rice varieties. Dr Chetia noted that seeds can typically be reused for up to two to three planting cycles, after which fresh certified seeds should be used.
As part of this effort, a pilot project has been launched in Nagaon district for Bao rice varieties in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme, the Assam Government, and a local Self Help Group.
Highlighting further developments, Dr Chetia said that the university, in association with the Assam Government, has established the first Gene Bank in the entire northeastern region. The facility currently conserves 7,000 rice germplasms, including 3,000 indigenous varieties. He added that the Gene Bank will also support the conservation of other indigenous crops to safeguard biodiversity for future generations.
Discussing AAU’s contributions since its inception in 1969, Dr Chetia said the university has developed 40 high-yielding crop varieties, including 24 in the past five years. These include improved varieties of rice, rapeseed, sesame, green gram, black gram, millet, field pea, chilli, and brinjal.
Among the newly developed varieties is ‘Labanya’, a type of purple rice found to have high nutritional value and antioxidant content.
The event was also attended by Dr Mrinal Saikia, Associate Director (Research), Dr Ranjit Kumar Saud, Deputy Director (Extension Education), and Dr Nivedita Deka, Head of the Department of Agricultural & Farm Management.
