Shalimar Sugandh: Aromatic Rice Variety from SKUAST-Kashmir
Why in the news
Kashmir scientists bred a scented fine-grain paddy, a higher-value diversification choice for growers.
Key facts
- Variety: Shalimar Sugandh, also called Kashur Basmat.
- Bred at: MRCFC Khudwani (Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops), a unit of SKUAST-Kashmir.
- Timeline: development began in 2021; certified seed distributed in 2024.
- Scientist: Dr Najeeb-ul-Rehman Sofi.
Basmati GI at a glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Registered in | 2016; APEDA holds it |
| Coverage | Seven northern states and areas, including 30 western UP districts and three J&K districts (Jammu, Kathua, Samba) |
| Area under Basmati in J&K | 46.13 thousand hectares |
Background
- SKUAST has two universities, one at Srinagar for Kashmir and one at Jammu.
- A GI tag marks goods tied to a specific territory (1999 Geographical Indications Act).
Exam angle
- APEDA regulates Basmati exports; Basmati is the top cereal export by value.
- Pakistan has contested India’s Basmati claim in the EU.