VARIETIES OF RICE FOUND IN NEPAL

Rice is the seed of the grass species Oryza sativa (Asian rice) or less commonly Oryza glaberrima (African rice). The name wild rice is usually used for species of the genera Zizania and Porteresia, both wild and domesticated, although the term may also be used for primitive or uncultivated varieties of Oryza. Rice is the number one crop in terms of cultivated area, production, consumption and contribution to economy in Nepal. It is the major staple food for Asian countries and Nepal. Paddy (dhan) is the grain enclosed with seed coat called hull. Rice (chamal) is the grain devoid of hull.It Fulfill more than 50% of the calorie requirement The Chemical composition in rice : carbohydrate =79% , protein =7-8% , oil =2-2.5%, fibre =0.8% , ash = 5.9% Rich source of vitamin B complex.

In Kathmandu, some of the more popular improved varieties found in the market include Khumal-4, a fine non-glutinous rice and Manjushree-2, another popular fine rice. Thaichung-176 is a glutinous rice very popular in Kathmandu, particularly among the Newars to make chiura and jand. Nepalis prefer the less sticky non-glutinous rice because it is easier to eat with the fingers.

As of 2014, a total of 73 rice varieties have been released in Nepal. Out of them, about 62 have been released for main-season (Barkhe) and 11 for spring season. Around 60% of the varieties released are for Terai and inner Terai, 25% for the hills and 8% for the mountains. The remaining 7% of the released varieties are for Terai/inner Terai and mid-hills; and hills and high hills.

There are four main Nepali rice found in Kathmandu: Mansuli, Pokhrali, Jeera Maseeno and several varieties of Basmati. The most popular is Mansuli which is cheaper with higher yields. Pokhreli and Jeera Maseeno are more popular among the middle- and higher-middle class, while Basmati varies according to quality.

Some of rice varieties describe below :-

Sano Mansuli :- It’s most cultivated in Terai and inner Terai. It’s most popular because it is cheaper with higher yields.

Hardinath -1 :- Hardinath -1 is cultivated in Terai and inner Terai Hardinath -1 rice has shortest maturity days i.e. 110 days with highest yield potential 5 Mt/ ha in Nepal. It was released in 2004 . It is cultivated in winter season and upland place.

Chaite – 6 :- Chaite – 6 was released in 1991 by IRRI. The maturity day was 123 days which is cultivated in the Terai and inner Terai. The yield potential is 4.8 Mt/ha. It is cultivated in Spring season or in the month of Chaitra.

Sambha Mansuli sub -1 :- Sambhav Mansuli sub -1 was released in 2011 and origined by IRRI which is cultivated in the Terai. The yield potential is 4.5 Mt/ha. The maturity days is 150 days. It is Submergence tolerant.

Sukha Dhan -6 :- Sukha dhan -6 is draught and Submergence tolerant. It was released in 2011 which is cultivated in Terai and river Basin . The maturity days is 125 days. The yield potential is 3.3 – 3.5 Mt/ ha.

Bindeshwori :- Bindeshwori rice was released in 1981 and origined by India. It is cultivated in Terai and inner Terai. It is early rice i.e. it’s maturity days is 118 days. It’s yield potential is 4 Mt/ha.

Khumal -13 :- Khumal rice is cultivated in mid hills which was released in 2010 by Nepal. It’s yield potential is 4.5 Mt/ha. The maturity days is 145 days.

Ghaiya -1 :- Ghaiya -1 rice is main season rice which was released in 2010 and origined by IRRI. The yield potential is 3.5 Mt/ha. It is upland rice and tolerant draught conditions. The maturity days is 115 days. It is cultivated in the Terai , inner Terai and mid hills.

Pokhreli jethobudho :- Pokhreli jethobudho is cultivated in the height 600-900m from the sea level & mainly cultivated in pokhara valley or pokhara area. The yield potential is 2.7 Mt/ ha. The maturity days is 185 days.

Radha -11 :- Radha -11 is cultivated in Central Terai in rainfed conditions which was released in 1994. The yield potential is 4 Mt/ha.

Sunaulo Sugandha :- one of the two released COB varieties was the most widely grown (by 7.5% of all 2,222 households) among all of the varieties.The yield potential is 3.8 Mt/ha. The maturity days and 115 days.

Chandannath-1 , Chandannath-3 , Chhomrong , Machhapuchhre-3 , Khumal-4 , Palung-2 ,Lekali Dhan-1 ,Lekali Dhan-3 ,Lumle-2, CH-45, Chaite-2, Chaite-4, Ghutaraj, Chinese boro ,Ghaiya-2, Bindewhwari, Sukkha Dhan series (1-6) , Tarahara-I, Sukkha Dhan-1, Sukkha Dhan-2, Sukkha Dhan-3, Sukkha Dhan-4, Sukkha Dhan-5, Sukkha Dhan-6 , Swarna Sub-1 , Swarna Sub-1, Ramdhan, Sabitri , Goraknath, Ram, Kala nimak , Anadi etc are the varieties of rice which is growing in Nepal.

Hybrid rice varieties, US312, Gorakhnath 509, Arize 6444, Arize Tej Gold, Garima and HJ G5 have covered large areas in Nepal. The latest registered varieties are comparatively better than earlier ones. Seed rate ranges from 15-20 kg/ha depending upon varieties.

Conclusion :- Rice is major stable food in the Nepal. It’s production (and consumption) is highly localized; Asia produces the vast majority 92% of world rice , with China and India accounting for 50% of world rice production in 2010 .The varieties of rice which is draught , Submergence , and nutritional tolerant and higher yield potential and small height are mostly acceptable by farmer.

Writer: SANTOSH GUPTA (Student, Bsc. Ag 2nd Semester IAAS Paklihawa Campus)