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Solution Exchange for the Food and Nutrition Security Community
Consolidated Reply
Query: Nutritional and Medicinal properties of Indigenous paddy varieties - Experiences; Referrals
Compiled by Gopi Ghosh, Resource Person and Shweta Tyagi, Research Assistant
Issue Date: 2 November 2010
From Amrita Nishanth, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Chennai
Posted 30 August 2010
I am working with the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Chennai (http://www.ciks.org/). We are working for biodiversity conservation and organic agriculture in Tamil Nadu. We are conserving and documenting indigenous paddy varieties especially the varieties of Tamil Nadu. We are providing support to around 3000 farmers all over Tamil Nadu to grow indigenous paddy using organic methods. We are also setting up farmers’ seed banks for indigenous paddy variety in villages in different parts of Tamil Nadu.
According to late Dr. Richaria, the well known rice scientist 4, 00,000 varieties of rice existed in India during the Vedic period. According to his estimates, even today 2, 00,000 varieties of rice exist in India – a truly phenomenal number. Every variety has a specific purpose and utility. Farmers in every part of country have a deep knowledge of their own rice varieties, of their environmental and nutritional requirements and their properties and peculiarities. This has enabled them to harvest a crop even under the most severe stress situations. Farmers also possess high yielding varieties of their own which are not recognized in agricultural extension programmes. The alarming rate of ecological and biodiversity destruction has now been recognized and the need for conservation is acknowledged at the level of farmers and the state.
The studies on nutritional and therapeutic properties help farmers to get better returns for their crop in the market. In our farmers’ group meetings conducted in villages of Tamil Nadu; we came across the farmers experiences about the medicinal and nutritional properties of several indigenous paddy varieties. Some of these of these examples are:
Neelan Samba and Kuzhiyadichan are indigenous paddy varieties which increases the milk flow in lactating mothers.
Karunkuruvai, another indigenous variety used in the treatment of orthopaedic ailments and filariasis
For the treatment of diarrhoea in cattle, a variety named Pitchavari is used.
Study done on an indigenous variety called Kappakar revealed that it is fulfilling the characteristics of high quality rice (intermediate amylose content and moderate gelatinization temperatures) as per the standards mentioned in the study of Wickramsinghe and Noda (2008).
I request members to:
Kindly share information or the reference of any studies carried out on the nutritional and medicinal properties of indigenous paddy varieties of India
Share any personal experience on the benefit of consuming/ using indigenous paddy varieties.
These inputs will be helpful in formulating a detailed study report on nutritional and therapeutic properties of indigenous paddy varieties and to extend our work outside Tamil Nadu. It will help us in getting enough insights on indigenous paddy varieties with which we can create awareness among people.
Responses were received, with thanks, from
1. J P Maithani, Alaknanda Ghaati Shilpi Federation, Pipalkoti (Response 1) (Response 2)
2. Raj Ganguly, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), New Delhi (Response 1) (Response 2)
3. K V Peter, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
4. Radha Gopalan, Rishi Valley Education Centre, Madanapalle
5. T N Anuradha, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), New Delhi
6. Bhavani, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai
7. Anupam Paul, Agricultural Training Centre, Nadia
Further contributions are welcome!
Summary of Responses
Rice has been a staple food and an integral part of the festivities and rituals in India since time immemorial. It is very well known that rice not only fulfills the nutritional needs of human beings but possess several medicinal properties as well. The query on ‘Nutritional and Medicinal Property of Indigenous Paddy Variety in India ’ essentially tries to unearth several instances of the unique characteristics of scores of indigenous paddy variety.
Ancient Ayurvedic treatises laud the Raktashali red rice as a nutritive food and medicine. The medicinal value of other rices such as Sashtika, Sali, and parched rice has been documented in the Charaka Samhita and the Susruta Samhita. They are known to be influential in the treatment of various ailments such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, hemorrhage, chest pain, wounds, and burns. Coloured rice has been preferred in the past for their special features such as medicinal value and exclusive taste. A large number of these varieties are still grown in various parts of the country by tribals and small farmers who are deprived of modern technologies and health care systems, where indigenous paddy with their nutritional and medicinal properties are a rich alternative for the same.
The singular reason for the vanishing of thousands of local rice varieties is their steady replacement with the so-called “high-yielding varieties” (HYVs), introduced since the 1960s. Among the several adverse environmental consequences of the Green Revolution, the drastic erosion of the genetic diversity of rice and other crops is perhaps the most serious and irreversible. Thousands of folk rice varieties with unique distinguishing characteristics are no longer found on indigenous farms, where they evolved over centuries.
The indigenous paddy variety in India seems to contribute tremendously to the health of the women including adolescent girls, lactating mothers and pregnant women. The red starch of Bhut moori for example is believed to cure anemia and enhance the blood volume in women after childbirth. Kabiraj-sal is another variety supposedly with medicinal property: its name itself reflects the folk belief that the rice serves as a kabiraj (village doctor), and is fed to convalescing patients to quicken recovery.
In Uttarakhand, many indigenous paddy varieties are known to be beneficial to pregnant women and those suffering from anemia. The rice grown there is also beneficial for the treatment of arthritis. More than 35 types of rice are grown there which are not only source of healthy food but have now become the source of good income as the dehusk paddy is in good demand. In Bihar too, local rice varieties are being used with other ingredients to meet the nutritious needs of lactating mothers. Farmers in Tamil Nadu are trying to preserve the seeds of various indigenous paddies that are more beneficial in comparison to the high yielding varieties. Also, in states like Uttar Pradesh, a preparation of rice called sathuara is given to new mothers to suffice a proper diet post delivery. In West Bengal , more than 5000 varieties of rice are to be found amongst which many are used as medicines to cure ailments. Gruel of Kolajoha ( Assam ), Kelas and other rice with reddish kernel is given to lactating and pregnant women and small children as it contains higher amount of iron and other minerals. The famous Njavara rice of Kerala is widely employed in Ayurvedic practice as a body enriching item, to exclude toxins and delay premature ageing. Geerakasala and Gandakasala are aromatic and medicinal rice landraces grown in Wynadu and Palakadu of Kerala. Colored rices (black and red) are rich in minerals (iron and zinc) and polyphenols and have antioxidant properties. Not only in India but rice is known for its medicinal value in China too where rice yeast is used to treat ailments.
One of the papers referred by members enunciates the revival of interest in red rice in India and Japan as it contains antioxidants. The document also elaborates on how being high on mineral, iron, and antioxidants, this rice makes an ideal health food. In one of the references cited the usage of rice has been explained in the form of gruel in cases of diarrhea in pre-independent India. An effort to preserve the indigenous rice varieties in Asia is being initiated by the Save our Rice Campaign.
There was growing fear that the hybrid rice would eliminate the traditional varieties however, there is an increasing attention towards the nutritive and therapeutic value of indigenous rice and the urgent need to preserve these germplasms and landraces. The sooner we realize the crucial importance that local biodiversity is the real capital of farming and food security, it would be better for the mankind.
Comparative Experiences
From Raj Ganguly, Food and Agriculture Organization, New Delhi
Bihar
Diet for Lactating Mothers
Rice varieties are being used in increasing milk secretion in lactating mothers. To promote lactation, rice is offered along with fenugreek and salt or sugar. Another preparation used for the same purpose includes rice and coconut milk. A variety called Jonga has proven to be very nutritious. It has been observed that balls of roasted Jonga rice mixed with sugar have helped to provide greater nutrition to the breast-fed child. Read more.
Tamil Nadu
Kappakar- Indigenous Variety Sturdy in Calamaity, Thirukazhukundram block (from Anupam Paul, Agricultural Training Centre, Nadia)
In a Thiruvanaikovil village, more than 30 farmers have been conserving the seeds of an indigenous paddy called kappakar for more than three generations. This variety is tolerant to natural disasters. In 2002, kappakar was sown as a dry crop. With no rains for a couple of months the other high yield variety withered away whereas kappakar recovered and turned green. It was observed that this indigenous variety was more sustainable than the high yeilding ones. Read more.
Uttar Pradesh
Rice in Post Delivery Diets
Rice plays an important role in post-delivery diets. It is cooked in excess water and the starch is collected separately. One glass of this with jaggery is taken for five days. A preparation called sathaura is given to new mothers. It is made from rice flour mixed with ginger, gum of Acacia arabica/Butea frondosa and Bengal kino, coconut, and raisin, and made into balls with jaggery. These have resulted in speedy post delivery recovery of women. Read more.
Uttarakhand
Paddy Varieties Effective for Health of Women (from J P Maithani, Alaknanda Ghaati Shilpi Federation, Pipalkoti)
In this region, Laal Dhaan (Red paddy) seen to be beneficial for pregnant women. Few other varieities like Dimarya, Kinsyalu and Sukhnandi proved good for women suffering from anemia. Kafalya, Kaloun and Bhet Kalounisa are effective for the women who have problem in breast-feeding new born babies and also helps the bones to become stronger. Saathi is very effective for joint pains and arthritis. Women consuming these have significantly improved their nutritional status.
China
Red Yeast Rice as Medicine (from T N Anuradha, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), New Delhi)
Many medicinal rice varieties have been known to be used for various medical treatments. The red yeast rice has been used both as food and as a medicinal substance for centuries. It is made by fermenting a type of yeast called monascus purpureus ove red rice. This is used in Chinese medicines to promote blood circulation, soothing upset stomach and the function of spleen. Usage of rice in medicine has led to effective treatment of these ailments. Read more.
Related Resources
Recommended Documentation
From Raj Ganguly, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), New Delhi
Seeds of Tradition, Seeds of Future
Book; by Debal Deb; Research Foundation for Science Technology & Ecology; New Delhi; 2005; To get a copy, contact: Centre for Interdisciplinary Science; Tel: 91-33-2592-8109 info@cintdis.org
Available at http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=16140
Highlights a detailed morphological description of 416 indigenous rice varieties, which are on the verge of extinction from farm fields
Red Rices - Past, Present and Future
Paper; by Uma Ahuja, S C Ahuja and Narender Chaudhary
Available at http://www.agri-history.org/pdf/Red%20Rices%20-%20Uma%20Ahuja.pdf (PDF 94.7 KB)
The paper reviews types of red rices (indigenous variety) and their uses as food and also their medicinal properties
Rice - A Nutraceutical
Paper; by Uma Ahuja, S C Ahuja, Rashmi Thakrar, and R K Singh; Asian Agri-History ; 2008
Available at http://km.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/fsn/docs/Rice_A_Nutraceutical.pdf (PDF 164 KB)
Highlights the need to preserve indigenous rice varieties in India for their medicinal and nutritional properties
From T N Anuradha, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), New Delhi
Nutritional and Medicinal Values of some indigenous Rice Varieties
Paper; by Shakeelur Rahman, M P Sharma and Suman Sahai; Humdard University and Gene Campaign; New Delhi ; 27 February 2006
Available at
http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/6939/1/IJTK%205(4)%20(2006)%20454-458.pdf (PDF 5.6 MB)
Mentions that indigenous rice as food is the basic source of nutritional inputs for areas where modern technologies and medical amenities are still inaccessible
Indigenous People's Traditional Rice Varieties Making a Comeback
Article; by Michael A. Bengwayan; 11 September 2010
Available at
Explains how indigenous varieties of rice are making a comeback to fulfill the medicinal and nutritional needs of the consumers
From Anupam Paul, Agricultural Training Centre, Nadia
Conserving Indigenous Seeds For Livelihood Security- Experiences from Tamil Nadu
Paper; by K Vijayalakshmi, S Arumugasamy and A B Balasubramanian; Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems; Chennai
Available at ftp://ftp.solutionexchange.net.in/public/food/resource/res30091001.pdf (PDF 385 KB)
Highlights how there is an urgent need to revive the indigenous rice varieties as they are known for their medicinal and nutritional properties
Prescribing Rice as a Medicine
Article; by Arabinda Ghose; 5 November 2006
Available at
http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=155&page=16
Elucidates an indigenous rice variety called Njavara that is prescribed as a medicine for various ailments, specifically grown in Kerela
Medicinal Rice Tenduphool
Article; by Pankaj Oudhia; 4 November 2008
Available at http://knol.google.com/k/pankaj-oudhia/medicinal-rice-tenduphool/3nerdtj3s9l79/3#
Elaborates upon many indigenous rice varieties including Tenduphool which are still under cultivation and are popularly used in Traditional Healing
From Shweta Tyagi, Research Assistant
Nutrient composition and physicochemical properties of Indian medicinal rice – Njavara
Paper; by G Deepaa, Vasudeva Singhb and K Akhilender Naidua; 2 June 2007; Permission Required: Yes
Available at
Assesses the nutrient composition of an indigenous paddy variety in India that is known to possess medicinal properties
Rice as a medicinal plant in Chhattisgarh, India
Article; by G K Das and P Oudhia; Bioversity International and Food and Agriculture Organization
Available at
Highlights various indigenous varieties of rice grow in Chattisgarh that are used for their medicinal benefits
Recommended Organizations and Programmes
Alaknanda Ghaati Shilpi Federation, Pipalkoti(from J P Maithani)
Pipalkoti, Chamoli 246472, Uttaranchal; Tel: 91-13-7221-4368; Fax: 91-13-7226-6450 aagaasfederation@gmail.com; http://www.aagaas.org/
Is working towards the documentation of indigenous paddy varieties to promote the seed conservation and traditional healing practices in the Hills of Uttarakhand
From Radha Gopalan, Rishi Valley Education Centre, Madanapalle
Save our Rice Campaign, Penang
Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific, Penang 10850, Malaysia; Tel: 604-657-0271, 604-656-0381; panap@panap.net; http://www.panap.net/en/r/page/rice/35;
Contact Thalan,Trivandrum; saverice@thanal.org
Aims to preserve the indigenous paddy varieties (known for their medicinal properties) of Asia in order to protect the cultural heritage of Asian farmers and communities
Sahaja Samrudha, Bangalore
Nandana, No.7, 2nd Cross, 7th Main, Sulthanpalya, Bangalore 560032, Karnataka; Tel: 91-80-2365-5302; sahajasamrudha@gmail.com;
http://www.sahajasamrudha.org/Event%20Medicinal%20Rice.htm
Identified and documented the medicinal indigenous rice variety of Karnataka, this data collection included ecological and cultural context of the rice varieties
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), New Delhi(from T N Anuradha)
1st Floor, CG Block, NASC Complex, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Pusa, New Delhi 110012; Tel: 91-11-2584-1292, 91-11-2584-3802; Fax: 91-11-2584-1801 j.k.ladha@cgiar.org; http://irri.org/our-partners/country-relations/asia-oceania/india
Has started an intitaive of giving back to farmers and communities small packets of indigenous paddy varieties that will be planted and serve as planting materials
M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai(from Bhavani)
3rd Cross Street, Institutional Area, Taramani, Chennai 600113; Tel: 91-44-2254-1229, 91-44-2254-1698; http://www.mssrf.org/bd/bd-jeypore.html
Had organized a workshop on medicinal and aromatic paddy varieties where several suggestions were made to verify the properties of some varieties already being put into Ayurvedic treatment, e.g. Njavara rice
Annam Good Food Movement, Thiruvananthapuram (from Gopi Ghosh, Resource Person)
Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA), MBC-27, Museum Bains Compound, Nanthancode, Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram 695003, Kerala; Tel: 91-47-1272-2151; Fax: 91-47-1244-3369; mail@cissa.co.in; http://www.cissa.co.in/Annam_2008/index.html
Is an initiative to popularize the concept of good food, making efforts towards ensuring the preservation of indigenous crop varieties
Responses in Full
J P Maithani, Alaknanda Ghaati Shilpi Federation, Pipalkoti (response 1)
As we are working in the remote areas of the Uttarakhand, I would like to share that:
· In our region many Paddy varieties are generally grown through the Broadcast method and without irrigation. The Laal Dhaan (Red paddy) is known to be very good for the pregnant women.
· Few high altitude rice varieties such as Dimarya, Kinsyalu and Sukhnandi are good for anemic women and adolescent girls.
In the hills we don’t need irrigation canal and dams for Paddy cultivation- we grow paddy while consuming the rain water. We have a record of more than 35 types of rice which are not only source of healthy food but have now become the source of good income as the dehusk paddy is in good demand. Varieties like Kinsyalu, Dimarya, Sukhnandi, Laal Dhaan, Cheena, Jhumkya etc. are well known varieties in the region. There are few rice varieties that are good for the treatment of Leukorrhea disease in the women.
Raj Ganguly, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), New Delhi
I am glad that we are discussing this aspect of Rice in our community. I would like to share few articles which could be useful for this:
· Seeds of Tradition, Seeds of Future (http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=16140)
· Red Rices - Past, Present, and Future (http://www.agri-history.org/pdf/Red%20Rices%20-%20Uma%20Ahuja.pdf) (PDF; Size 94.7 KB)
· Rice - A Nutraceutical (http://km.fao.org/fileadmin/user_upload/fsn/docs/Rice_A_Nutraceutical.pdf) (PDF; Size 164 KB)
K V Peter, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
Nutritional and medicinal values of rice are well known and well documented in Charaka Samhita and Susrutha Samhita. Unpolished rice is rich in carotene (Vitamin A), essential mino acids, unsaturated fatty acids and of course energy from carbohydrates. Rice bran oil is edible and used in making many indigenous, folk and tribal medicines. The unpolished rice and its products are ingredients of asanas (formulations) in Ayurveda medicines. The cooked rice pulp is used against boils, swellings and arthritic affected areas.
Njavara, Geerakasala, Gandakasala are aromatic and medicinal rice landraces grown in Wynadu and Palakadu of Kerala. In fact Njavara rice is now registered under GI and IPR regime in India . The Pokkali rice varieties are famous for their porridge qualities.
J P Maithani, Alaknanda Ghaati Shilpi Federation, Pipalkoti (response 2)
Our organization is working towards the documentation of this type of knowledge to promote the seed conservation and traditional healing practices in the Hills of Uttarakhand. I would like to share more information on the indigenous paddy varieties:
Kafalya is one of the paddy varieties generally grown in the high hills without irrigation. It is very effective for the women who have problem in breast-feeding new born babies. It also helps to deal with the problem of frequent abortions. The starch soup is very good for the health of the pregnant women. The seeds of this variety are found in very limited areas.
Kaloun and Bhet Kaloun- These two local varieties help in increasing the level of milk in the women for feeding the new born and also helpful in increasing the level of calcium to make the bones stronger.
Saathi- this variety is very effective for joint pains, rheumatic and arthritis. Due to very short crop cycle this variety was very popular but it needs irrigation facilities. It can be grown during the monsoon in the hills.
Radha Gopalan, Rishi Valley Education Centre, Madanapalle
A very good resource would be the 'Save our Rice Campaign' being spearheaded by Thalan, Trivandrum (email: saverice@thanal.org). Sahaja Samrudha based in Bangalore , also part of the campaign, would also be an excellent resource (www.sahajasamrudha.org). The campaign has also brought out a very informative calendar with valuable information on various indigenous varieties of rice.
T N Anuradha, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), New Delhi
There are a large number of indigenous rice varieties in India . The paper titled ‘Nutritional and Medicinal Values of some indigenous Rice Varieties’ is documented from Assam , Bihar , Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand
(http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/6939/1/IJTK%205(4)%20(2006)%20454-458.pdf) (PDF; Size: 5.6 MB). The paper mentions that food is the basic source of nutritional inputs for areas where modern technologies and medical amenities are still inaccessible.
Another useful reference is an article on Indigenous People's Traditional Rice Varieties Making a Comeback
Bhavani, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai
As part of commemorating the International Year of Rice in 2004, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) had organized a series of workshops, one of which was on medicinal and aromatic varieties of rice. Several suggestions were made on the need for scientific validation to strengthen the knowledge base and verify the properties of some varieties already being put into Ayurvedic treatment, e.g. Njavara rice grown in Kerala. You can get a copy of the proceedings from MSSRF.
Raj Ganguly, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), New Delhi (response2)
Rice itself is very nutritive and has great therapeutic value. The aleurone layer which is taken out during milling process gives the rice an attractive white colour but drastically reduces its nutritive and therapeutic value. About 20% of total protein of rice is lost by polishing.
In the brown rice, this aleurone layer is retained and thus the nutritive value increases. The effect of brown rice in lowering lipid profile is discussed well in the research article (http://www.world-food.net/scientficjournal/2009/issue3/pdf/food/38.pdf) (PDF; Size 71 KB). The thickness of this aleurone layer varies in different varieties. It will be interesting if some research initiative is made in finding out the thickness of aleurone layer in indigenous varieties.
The par-boiled rice which also helps to retain the goodness of rice is very commonly used in eastern India .
Anupam Paul, Agricultural Training Centre, Nadia
In India , most of the foods serve as medicines. All the vegetables possess some curative properties. This has been highly valued in Ayurveda and rice is no exception.
In Bengal there are more than 5000 varieties of rice. The characteristics of all the varieties have not yet been assessed as these are considered low yield. Ayurvedic doctors have recommended Kabirajsal rice after prolonged illness. Puffed rice or Agniban rice is used with milk to enhance appetite. Gruel of Kolajoha ( Assam ), Kelas and other rice with reddish kernel is given to lactating and pregnant women and small children. It contains higher amount of iron and other minerals. Niver of Kerala is used for treating neuralgic pain. Tenduful of Bihar/Jharkhand is medicinal rice. I think all the varieties with reddish kernel have more nutritive value.
I would like to share few articles that could be useful: