Assam farmer sets up Rice Library to preserve indigenous paddy varieties | Fusion - WeRIndia

Preserving the rich heritage of indigenous paddy varieties, Mahan Chandra Borah has established a unique rice library in Kathgaon village, Jorhat district.

This 41-year-old farmer from Assam has collected and conserved more than 500 rice varieties over the past 15 years, with a focus on sustaining the region’s agricultural diversity.

These varieties range from Karunkuruvai in southern India to Bao and Suagmoni in Assam,

Believing heritage extends beyond monuments to include the foods of our forefathers, Borah initiated the project after witnessing the gradual disappearance of native rice varieties.

Faced with a lack of support from NGOs to raise awareness on the issue, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

The library is housed in a structure built by fellow villager Debojit Neog. It has become an educational hub, attracting students eager to learn about the seeds preserved within.

Borah actively visits schools and colleges to spread awareness about the conservation of indigenous rice species, emphasizing the importance of rice as both a staple and a national asset.

With seeds dating back to the 15th century, Borah’s collection includes over 200 species from Assam and various regions across India.

To ensure the continued conservation of these varieties, he has dedicated two bighas of his agricultural land for growing different indigenous paddy types, each occupying one square meter.

Recognizing the global impact of climate change, Borah believes that the genetic diversity within his preserved seeds can contribute to producing new varieties in the future, potentially averting food crises.

His collection includes flood-resistant and rain-fed varieties, and he has initiated crossbreeding efforts.

Borah is passionate about maintaining agriculture as a cultural practice rather than transforming it into an industry. Also, he encourages people to contribute to paddy production and educate students about the farming culture.

He remains open to collaboration with organizations focused on agro-ecology and environmental conservation, envisioning a sustainable future where the preservation of indigenous seeds plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/340272