A Review on Rice Lanraces of Manipur (India)

Abstract

Rice is the most important cereal crop of Manipur. Many locally adapted rice landraces or traditional varieties are found in the state. More than 300 rice germplasms are found in the state which includes aromatic, pigmented, stress-resistant, and medicinal landraces. Chakhao landraces are popular aromatic rice of Manipur. Particularly, well known for its aroma, taste, colour, nutritional quality, and high antioxidant properties. Besides Chakhao, several traditional varieties are grown in the hill districts as well as in the valley regions. These traditional varieties vary in grain quality. These rice varieties can serve as parent donors of useful genes which can be further utilized in crop improvement programmes. A proper understanding of their nutritional quality, bioactivity, and chemical as well as molecular characterization will greatly enhance the knowledge of these traditional varieties for further application. Thus, maintaining diversity and sustainable conservation of these rice germplasms is the need of the hour.