Jhapa: In a remarkable agricultural achievement, the Biological Diversity Conservation and Development Committee in Jhapa has successfully cultivated 81 varieties of rice in a single block of land spanning two kattha (approximately 7,290 sq. ft) in Chandradangi of Shivasatakshi municipality-7.

Chairperson Dilli Paudel of the committee reported that the seeds of these indigenous rice varieties were collected from different regions across the country. The initiative aims to address the diminishing presence of local rice varieties due to the prevalence of hybrid seeds.

Among the endangered indigenous rice varieties successfully grown in the demonstration block is 'Kalo Nuniya.' The cultivation has garnered attention from students in agricultural studies and the public, who visit the paddy field to witness the simultaneous cultivation of diverse rice varieties.

The 'exhibition block' features unique rice varieties such as Marsi rice, a product typical of Jumla, and the Dudhraj variety found in Ilam in eastern Nepal. Notable varieties like Basamati Rato, Basamati Pahelo, and Tunde have also been cultivated.

Facilitator Januka Magar mentioned that the indigenous rice varieties were collected from various parts of the country with the support of the non-governmental organization Local Initiatives for Bio-diversity Research and Development (LI-BiRD). The committee's efforts intend to preserve indigenous rice varieties and encourage farmers to cultivate them.

Established in 2065 BS, the committee has a seed bank of indigenous varieties located at Shivasatakshi, Ward No. 7 in Jhapa. The rice produced in the plot will be harvested, stored in the seed bank, and later distributed to interested farmers for cultivation.

The seed bank, managed by the committee, holds a diverse collection of seeds from various crops, pulses, and vegetables, contributing to the preservation of agricultural biodiversity. The committee has engaged 1,070 farmers in Ward No. 6 and 7 of Shivasatakshi municipality, dividing them into 22 groups. These farmers access seeds from the seed bank and cultivate them, contributing to the annual procurement of 75 metric tonnes of crops, which are processed, examined for germination capacity, and sold to other farmers at concessional prices.

Deputy Mayor of Shivasatakshi municipality, Narmaya Karki, commended the committee's efforts in preserving local crops and contributing to the agriculture sector. The municipality continues to support the committee's innovative initiatives.