How many varieties of rice has been estimated to be present in India? a. 2,000 b. 20,000 c. 200,000 d. 2,000,000
Option C.Only accurate data are available by Richharia and Govindasamy (1990), which estimated that about 200,000 varieties existed in India before the Green Revolution. Considering that all of these folk varieties were synonymous, an approximate 110,000 varieties were cultivated. Such incredible figures gain credibility from the fact that Dr. Richharia obtained 22,000 folk varieties (currently in custody at Raipur University) from Chhattisgarh alone – one of the 28 states of India. So, now we know that 200,000 varieties of rice are present in India. Rice has been our mainstay for thousands of years. The diversity of rice in India is among the richest in the world. Basmati rice is distinctive for its unique aroma and 27 recorded varieties are grown in India. So, with this we can conclude that, there are 200,000 varieties present in India.
