"Government support crucial for survival of rice crop": B.K. Deva Rao

"Government support crucial for survival of rice crop": B.K. Deva Rao

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 1, 2025: Farmers are increasingly turning away from rice cultivation, raising concerns that many diverse rice varieties may soon be lost.

Renowned rice breeder B.K. Deva Rao emphasized the need for government intervention to encourage and sustain rice farming. “Farmers should at least cultivate rice as a sideline to help preserve it,” he said while being felicitated at a guest of honour programme organized by the Mangalore Press Club at Patrika Bhawan on Thursday.

 

Highlighting the alarming decline in rice diversity, he noted, “India once had around 2 lakh varieties of rice, but this number has now dropped to 25,000. Scientific preservation of these varieties has not been successful. The only way to conserve rare types is for farmers to sow seeds and harvest them every year. The government should strengthen efforts to support the conservation and cultivation of traditional rice varieties.”

Rao also pointed out that rice cultivation plays a critical role in maintaining groundwater levels, as water is abundant only where rice fields exist. However, many rice fields are being replaced by commercial crops. He further mentioned that several rice varieties, including some with cancer-resistant properties, have medicinal benefits and must be preserved for future generations.

“Instead of respecting me, respect rice. The survival of our community depends on it,” he urged.

Speaking on the occasion, his son B.K. Parameshwara Rao said, “We cultivate chemical-free rice using cow dung and farmyard manure. Rice is an excellent food crop, yet price discrimination causes injustice to rice farmers.”

Dr. Raghavendra Holla, Chairman of Swastika National Business School, who inaugurated the programme, stressed the need for society to support individuals who collect and nurture rare rice varieties. He also called on educational institutions to give greater importance to agricultural education.

The event was presided over by Mangalore Press Club President P.B. Harish Rai. D.K. District Working Journalists Association President Srinivas Nayak Indaje attended the programme, while General Secretary Ibrahim Adkasthala delivered the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Vijaya Kotyan Padu.