The explorations undertaken in Mizoram state revealed enormous germplasm diversity of rice. A total of 90–95 landraces were grown under jhum (upland) and wetland conditions. These differed highly in growth duration, grain quality, yield potential, disease and pest resistance and cultural practices. Some of the varieties were drought tolerant (Hmawrhang), well adapted to high altitudes (Buhtawi) and highly acidic soil conditions (Liachai).
Rice, genetic diversity, landraces, upland and lowland varieties
