Kashmir’s traditional rice varieties possess unique cold-tolerance genes lost by modern varieties
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Researchers at SKUAST-Kashmir identified that traditional rice varieties in Kashmir possess unique cold-tolerance genes lost in modern varieties, offering climate-resilient traits.
Background
A study published in 'The Plant Genome' on October 27, 2026, by SKUAST-Kashmir found that traditional Kashmiri rice varieties are closely related to those from the Korean Peninsula and Northeast China. These varieties contain locally adapted genes that provide superior cold tolerance compared to modern varieties.
Facts for Prelims
- BodySKUAST-Kashmir: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology located in Srinagar.
- FactTraditional Kashmiri rice varieties possess unique cold-tolerance and locally adapted genes.
- FactTraditional Kashmiri rice varieties are genetically related to varieties from the Korean Peninsula and Northeast China.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the preservation of traditional crop varieties can contribute to climate-resilient agriculture and food security in Himalayan regions.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Genetic erosion: Loss of indigenous cold-tolerance traits due to the adoption of high-yielding modern varieties.
- Climate adaptation: Utilization of locally adapted genes to mitigate extreme temperature fluctuations in highland farming.
- Biodiversity conservation: Balancing the promotion of modern agricultural productivity with the preservation of genetic diversity.
Keywords: Climate-resilient agriculture · Genetic diversity · Crop adaptation · In-situ conservation · Genetic erosion
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