Doon Basmati, the rice variety known for its rich aroma and distinctive taste, is fast disappearing as the area in which it is grown is disappearing due to rapid urbanization. According to the recent report of Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, the area under cultivation of Doon Basmati rice has decreased by 62 percent in the last five years.
According to the report, while Doon Basmati rice was being produced in an area of 410 hectares in 2018, this figure has reduced to just 157 hectares in 2022. Not only this, due to the shrinking area of farming, farmers have also started withdrawing their hands. In 2018, 680 farmers were producing Doon Basmati rice, in five years 163 farmers have stopped cultivating Basmati rice.
Due to its specific agro-climatic conditions, this rice has endemic importance for the Doon Valley. Additionally, this variety of rice grows only in running water, making it “very delicate” There is variety. It is a completely organically produced grain, its aroma and taste is lost when chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used.
Doon Basmati, apart from being a rare variety of rice, is an important part of Dehradun’s rich heritage. Doon Basmati was developed by rice growers in the Doon Valley. Dun Basmati rice was once grown in a large area, which has now developed into a huge urban area. Now the cultivation of Doon Basmati rice is limited to a few areas that can be counted on fingers.
Endangered Species
Due to many reasons like decreasing agricultural land due to rapid urbanization, specific varieties of rice are disappearing rapidly. Reasons like lack of marketing facilities and lack of subsidy have brought Doon Basmati rice to the verge of extinction. Many other varieties of Basmati rice are being sold in the name of Doon Basmati. The government needs to take important steps for the conservation and promotion of Doon Basmati.
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