Abstract

Kalanamak, the heritage rice of eastern Uttar Pradesh is valued for its aroma, taste and nutritive value. Its area declined from 50,000 ha to less than 2,000 ha, and was destined to be extinct. Collection of 250 germplasm was made and best accession was tested and released as KN3 in 2010.Its dwarf versions as Bauna Kalanamak 101, Bauna Kalanamak 102 and Kalanamak Kiran were released in 2016, 2017and 2019 respectively. Dwarf versions yield 50% more than KN3 and mature 10 days earlier. Normal selling price of the Kalanamak paddy ranges between Rs. 3,000/- to Rs. 4,000/- per quintal. MSP announced is Rs.1940 yet farmers have to sell their HYV paddy around Rs. 1,500/- per quintal or less. Cost of cultivation of Kalanamak and yield is the same as HYV; farmers get three times more net profit. Organic Kalanamak fetches 20% premium over normal Kalanamak. Summarily compared to Rs. 43,100 / ha net profit from common HYV rice, Kalanamak gives Rs. 69,375, Bauna Kalanamak Rs. 1, 26,250 and Organic Kalanamak Rs. 1.38,000 per hectare net profit. Kalanamak was exported 350 quintals to Singapore and 100 quintals to Nepal in 2021. Nutritionally, Kalanamak has double amount of protein (10.6%), triple iron, quadruple Zinc compared to common rice. It has also Vitamin A in form of Beta Carotene. With 49 to 52% Glycemic Index, it is “Sugar Free”, hence suitable even for diabetics. Therefore, the proverb “Paddy and Poverty go together” is a myth now.