Improved Kerala Rice for Ayurvedic Medicinal
Uses to be Developed

January 4, 2010, PTI News- Kerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram, India has taken up a research project to bring genetic changes in the basic characteristics of 'njavara rice' to have improved quality for various medicinal uses. 'Njavara'- the Kerala rice- is extensively used in the Indian herbs medicinal system of 'Ayurveda' for a variety of cures including those for rheumatism, respiratory diseases and problems related to indigestion.

Many Ayurvedic treatments use this rice crop in various processes. "Njavara Kizhi" is an effective Ayurvedic treatment for rheumatism in which heated 'njavara' is applied on the affected limbs. The rice is also a key ingredient for the therapeutic porridge consumed by people in the state during monsoons. The rice cultivation of this variety has fallen sharply due to high input costs and vagaries of climate. By improving the strain of this traditional herbal rice variety, scientists hope to make it stronger to withstand the onslaught of climate and ensure higher output.

News Source: Bernama.com