On-farm Status and Collection of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genetic Resources of Sikkim Himalayas

Exploration trips were conducted to rice growing belts of Sikkim for collection and assessing on-farm status of rice landraces. Total of 52 traditional rice landraces collected along with record of passport data, features of cultivar and other aspects related to its cultivation and use. Inferences have been drawn based on observations on-field and interviews with local people regarding factors influencing rice diversity and reasons for their depletion. Probable strategies for conservation and maintenance of these landraces for their sustainable use have been discussed.