Climate Change and You: The return of a forgotten rice named after Lord Buddha While researching farmer-owned companies, I discovered an ancient rice variety called Kala Namak, originating from eastern Uttar Pradesh. Known as Buddha rice, this heirloom grain is steeped in legend, said to have been distributed by Lord Buddha to his followers after attaining Nirvana. It is a short-grain rice with a distinctive aroma, low glycaemic index, and three times the protein content of standard varieties, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes. India’s agricultural landscape has undergone significant changes since the green revolution of the 1960s, which prioritized high-yield rice strains that thrive with chemical inputs. This shift led to the decline of many traditional rice cultivars, including Kala Namak. However, the variety has been revived by a retired agriculture scientist, and farmer groups are now cultivating it due to its higher market value. India, the world’s largest rice producer and exporter, faces critical environmental challenges linked to rice cultivation. The crop is highly water-intensive, contributing to the depletion of groundwater reserves. Additionally, rice paddies are major sources of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide. The widespread use of subsidized fertilizers like urea further exacerbates soil degradation and emissions. Promoting heirloom varieties such as Kala Namak offers a sustainable alternative. These rice types require fewer chemical inputs and provide greater nutritional value. Consumer demand plays a vital role in sustaining such varieties. A kilogram of Kala Namak rice costs over ₹300 in cities, but its health benefits, environmental advantages, and unique flavor justify the price.#climate_change #india #lord_buddha #kala_namak #eastern_uttar_pradesh
