Paathara (Khoni): Vanishing Grain Storage in Srikakulam
Why in the news
A traditional way of keeping grain in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh is close to disappearing, which has raised worries about losing local agricultural knowledge.
Key facts
- Practice: Paathara, known as Khoni in Odia.
- Place: Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Status: facing imminent extinction.
- Concern: erosion of indigenous agricultural knowledge systems.
About the practice
- An underground storage pit for freshly harvested paddy.
- A scientifically evolved indigenous method.
- Works without electricity, chemicals or modern preservatives.
- Stored grain serves long-term household use, seed preservation and ritual or ceremonial needs.
Exam angle
- Crop stored: paddy.
- Alternative name: Khoni.
- Typical question: where is Paathara practised? Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh.