Documentation of the grain morphological variation within some traditional aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties of West Bengal

Abstract

With the introduction of high-yielding varieties, price incentives and research inclinations towards modern varieties of non-aromatic rice to achieve self reliance, cultivation of several indigenous scented rice varieties have been neglected. A large number of traditional scented rice has already been lost and many are on the verge of extinction. It is more so for the small and medium-grained non Basmati aromatic rice than the long-grained Basmati types which form the bulk of rice export. Even though the cultivation of traditional aromatic rice varieties in prime areas is fast declining, their aroma and grain quality is highly appreciated by local communities and they are used in several rituals and customs. Future progress in the improvement of scented rice largely depends on immediate documentation, evaluation, conservation of the extant scented rice genetic resources and their effective utilization. The present study is on the documentation and evaluation of some of the aromatic rice germplasm of West Bengal.