Boosting Rice Production and Productivity for Ensuring Food Security in Uttarakhand Hills

Abstract

Rice is a major food crop in Uttarakhand hills which has great significance in food security of the region as well as plays integral role in almost all traditional rituals. The custom of “Hudukiya Boll” practiced during rice transplanting in hills also presents a unique example of communal harmony. In comparison to plains, hill region of Uttarakhand could not reap the benefits of green revolution and rice cultivation is still dominated by tall and lodging prone traditional cultivars like “Thapacheeni, China4, Lal Dhan, Candolia, Thapuli, Chauria, Kusi Pai, Shiaun, Danshau, Jyoli, Rajma Dhan, Nan Dhan, Godi Dhan, Sau Dhan” etc. During past decade the production and productivity trend of rice are sluggish and the level not seems sufficient to realize future requirement for ensuring the food security of rural masses. In recent times a number of high yielding rice varieties suitable for rainfed and irrigated ecology of hills are developed which are fairly tolerant for prevalent biotic and abiotic stresses. Wider adoption of these improved cultivars by farming communities can boost rice production and surely mitigate the problem of food and nutritional security in the region.