This 63-year-old farmer from Manipur is growing 165 types of rice
Despite the fact that Manipur is greatly suited to the growth of paddy, what Potshangbam Devakanta has achieved—growing 100 traditional species through organic farming—is a remarkable feat.
Potshangbam has grown crops which are not only rare but also have excellent medicinal properties. The best of all the species grown is a black rice known as 'Chak-Hao Poireiton', indigenous to Manipur. This type of rice has medicinal properties which can help cure diseases such as viral fever, dengue, and even cancer.
This 63-year-old from Manipur has nurtured his passion and grown and discovered not one or two but 165 types of rice. Five years ago, Potshangbam started growing four different types of rice at his house in Imphal. What started as a hobby for him has now turned into his passion. He began to look for different types of traditional crops that are being grown in different areas. He was so enthusiastic that he himself went to many remote villages in search of these crops. There are many traditional seeds he has been able to find but some are still unexplored. He is determined to find as many different types of traditional seeds as possible.
He recently displayed his collection at the National Seed Diversity Festival 2017. Like all farmers, he spends hours at his paddy farm, but the difference is that he has grown different crop types. He says,
The task I had taken up was extremely challenging as there were many traditional crops that had gotten lost over the years. The hunt, therefore, became all the more difficult but I was hopeful. With the help of a few farmers, I was able to get hold of some rare crops and after that, there was no turning back for me. Finding these crops was just the first step; I also had to ensure they were productive.
These crops with their incredible medicinal properties can also be grown in many other parts of the country. Potshangbam was recognised for his work and received the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPVFRA) Award in 2012.
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