Characterizing the local rice varieties to preserve traditional ecological knowledge and promote improved agricultural practices in West Garo Hills Meghalaya India

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A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among Garo communities of Meghalaya in 14 villages of Rongram and Dadenggre, Meghalaya. The Garos are one of the main tribal groups in Meghalaya, who largely practice Jhum and shifting cultivation. The study aimed to document local rice varieties and characterize them in terms of identification, profiling, test weight, nutritional value, community preference and consumption. It also explored barriers and facilitators related to the production and consumption of these varieties. Nutritive values for commonly consumed rice types were compiled from secondary literature and confirmed through nutritional analysis in a NABL-certified laboratory. The study identified 64 rice varieties, of which most were indigenous (64%) and grown in plains or lowlands (59%). Among the stated 41 local varieties, only 10 (24%) were commonly consumed, while 18 (44%) were rarely and 13 (32%) were no longer consumed. High dietary fibre and iron content were seen in 2 of the 11 varieties profiled for nutritional composition. “ Atte pangra ” was the most commonly consumed, whereas Mi Dambak/Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.wek, Malbok Mi and Kotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi were most preferred for taste and aroma. The Food Frequency Questionnaire data (n = 171) indicated that households predominantly consumed non-indigenous rice varieties. Erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility and low yield were key constraints reported that prevented the cultivation of local varieties. The findings highlight the need to support farmers with appropriate institutional mechanisms and resources to conserve traditional knowledge and promote nutritionally rich indigenous rice varieties. Indigenous rice variety Garo tribe Crop diversity Nutritive value Nutritional security Dietary pattern Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 1. Introduction Rice is a major staple food for half of the global population, and India is one of the top rice-producing countries in the world [ 1 ]. Thousands of rice varieties are cultivated across the world, derived primarily from two major cultivated species, Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima and a few dozen wild rice species [ 2 ]. Over 50,000 rice landraces exist in India which can be a valuable resource for food security, given the increasing global demands on staple crops, leading to plateauing productivity and diminishing diet quality [ 3 ]. The Northeastern Region of India is home to at least 10,000 rice landraces, which have been locally adapted since generations [ 4 ]. Meghalaya is one of the seven states in Northeast region, rich in both floristic and crop diversities [ 5 ]. Rice is the principal crop of this region covering around 72% of the total cultivated area [ 6 ]. It is locally referred to as ‘ Mi Ma’ meaning “Rice mother”, playing a central role in the lives of the local people. Although there are over 10,000 indigenous rice cultivars in the North-east region, the rice productivity in Meghalaya is lower than the national productivity due to various constraints like undulating topography, steep slopes and shallow and skeletal soils [ 7 ]. Despite their low yield potential, the native landraces in Meghalaya contribute to high-quality genetic pool, which keep the ecosystem stable and functional in a sustainable manner and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity [ 8 ]. The “A’chik ” tribe, mostly known as Garos, reside in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, with 12 sub-tribes comprising Am’beng, Atong, Ruga, Gara-Ganching, Chibok, Dual, A’we, Matabeng, Matchidual, Me’gam, Matchi and Chisak. The Garo tribe is primarily an agrarian community largely practicing Jhum or shifting cultivation [ 9 ]. They conserve, propagate and grow many different traditional rice varieties in the foot hills/valley including specific varieties of white rice (Migra) , red rice (Mi Gitchak) , black rice (Mi Gisim) and sticky rice ( Minil ) [ 1 ]. However, nutritional traits of most rice landraces consumed by Garo tribe remain under investigated. Durai et al . (2015) has emphasised on the importance of nutritional profiling of rice landraces of Northeast India [ 10 ]. In his study, Longvah et al (2020) profiled 32 rice landraces from Garo Hills, showing significantly higher dietary fibre and lower phytate content as compared to contemporary varieties [ 1 ]. Amidst rapidly changing environment and fast-paced economic, political, and cultural transformations taking place in North-east India, the traditional knowledge systems of ethnic tribal communities are facing the risk of extinction [ 11 ]. Further, the rapid transformation of agricultural practices in Northeast India, driven by the adoption of agronomically improved rice varieties, poses a major threat to the survival of indigenous rice cultivars [ 12 ]. Although, studies from North-east India have documented information on traditional rice varieties in terms of genetic diversity, aromaticity and drought tolerance [ 1 , 4 , 13 ], there exists a significant gap in the systematic documentation of local rice varieties of Garos (sub-tribe: Am’beng ), especially relating to the consumption preferences in the community and the nutritional profile of rice varieties. In this paper, we aim to profile the indigenous rice varieties of Am’beng sub-tribal community of West Garo hills, with specific information on their characteristics, and consumption preferences. We also aim to document the nutritive values of selected commonly consumed rice varieties through laboratory analysis and published secondary literature. The information arising from this research work will be useful to develop recommendations on promoting specific rice varieties in the community in terms of production and consumption. 2. Methodology 2.1. Study design : A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya between March 2024 to July 2025. 2.2. Study locale : The study was conducted in 14 villages of two geographically distinct blocks, namely Rongram and Dadenggre of West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya. The administrative blocks and study villages were purposively selected, based on high population density of Garo tribe (specifically Am’beng sub-tribe) and the feasibility of data collection (Fig. 1 ). The district is widely known for its high altitude and frequent and long-standing monsoon season throughout the year. 2.3. Study Procedures Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were employed for systematic documentation of rice varieties, and consumption preferences within the community. The data collection was conducted by field team comprising trained local field workers fluent in Garo language, who facilitated the qualitative discussions with the community and collected local food samples from study villages for nutritive analysis. The entire data collection was conducted and closely supervised by the core research team. 2.3.1 Free-listing enquiries and pairwise ranking Fourteen free-listing enquiries were undertaken, one in each study village to comprehensively document the local rice varieties known and consumed by the Garo tribe. Data collected included the type of variety (Indigenous or Non-Indigenous), availability, sowing and harvesting periods, cultivation land type (either jhum or plain land) and how the community uses each variety. Participants comprised of both young adults and elderly men and women who were familiar with food purchase, access and preparation. Table 1 provides details characteristics of the participants. Table 1 Details of study participants in free-listing enquiries (n = 14) Block Study village Total participants Gender and age-group distribution Rongram (n = 8) Chidaogre 9 9 women (*3 elderly women) Kemragre 6 6 women (*3 elderly women) Darechikgre 12 7 men, 5 women; *elderly men (3) & women (1) Buripara 11 4 men, 7 women; *elderly men (3) & women (3) Kamagre 13 4 men, 9 women; *elderly men (2) & women (3) Gondenggre 9 6 men, 3 women; *elderly men (3) Tosekgre 8 4 men, 4 women; *elderly men (1) & women (1) Danangre 10 4 men, 6 women; *elderly men (1) & women (1) Dadenggre (n = 6) Romgre 6 1 man, 5 women Rabonggre 9 5 men, 4 women; *elderly men (1) Rebugre 8 4 men, 4 women Mangdugre 9 2 men, 7 women; *elderly men (1) & women (3) Cheran Somagre 13 9 men, 4 women; *elderly men (2) Asimgre 12 6 men, 6 women; *elderly men (2) Once all the rice varieties were listed from the discussions, a pairwise ranking method was used to obtain further information on the preference of one rice variety over another. Respondents were asked to select their top five preferred indigenous rice types, which were summarized as a matrix on a sheet. Participants were requested to compare the first rice variety in the row to each of the others in the column one by one. This process was followed for each of the rice varieties listed in the columns. A score was assigned based on how many times a given rice variety was chosen, and the type of rice were ranked accordingly. The rice variety with the highest score was ranked first, with subsequent scores in descending order based on the reported comparative preferences. This helped in identifying the preferred indigenous rice among the reported rice types. 2.3.2 Characterization of local rice varieties using Rice Profile Checklist A rice profile checklist was developed in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Garo Hills, Meghalaya to record the supplementary traits of the listed local rice varieties. This checklist was administered to villagers engaged in the cultivation of rice, to collate the following information: The common name for rice variety Classification of agricultural systems (low land/Jhum cultivation) Cropping season (Rabi/Kharif) Specific months designated for sowing, transplanting, and harvesting, with total duration Type of irrigation Number of tillers per plant Height of the plant Total yield (q/ha) Any distinctive characteristics of the plant Additionally, test weight, an important parametric for predicting milling yield, seed quality and seed potential was determined for the enlisted rice varieties. The test weight for each variety was calculated by weighing its 1000 grains. 2.3.3 Identification of the farmer-registered rice varieties and nutritive values In order to mark rice varieties missing in existing secondary databases, a list of farmer-identified rice varieties was obtained from KVK, West Garo Hills and rice gene pool database of West Garo Hills, Division of Agricultural Economics, ICAR-IARI, Pusa, New Delhi. The rice gene pool data was extracted from the ICAR-NBPGR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources). Based on this exercise, the names of enlisted rice varieties were matched with the names provided in secondary databases, and accordingly, a list of unmatched rice varieties was collated. From this list, commonly consumed rice varieties with distinct characteristics in terms of colour, aroma and texture, were prioritized for nutritive analysis, based on their availability. Additionally, rice samples collected for measurement of test weight were also subsequently collected for nutritive analysis. The selected rice samples were collected from field sites and sent for nutrient analysis to NABL accredited food laboratory. Different nutrients and antinutrients were analysed including energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, dietary fibre, calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6 and tannins, and Aflatoxins B1. The nutrient content was reported per 100g. Specific methods used for analysis are provided in Supplementary Table 1. 2.3.4 Food Frequency Questionnaire A 74 -item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) comprising commonly consumed rice varieties, identified through free-listing enquiries, and categorized as indigenous and non-indigenous varieties were included. This FFQ was administered at the household level to assess the dietary patterns in Garo tribe, consumption patterns of rice varieties. The tool was administered in winter season (February-March 2025) and frequency of consumption of different rice varieties within the household over the past fortnight (i.e., 15 days) was enquired, respectively. The consumption frequencies were assessed through eight predefined categories ranging from “never” to “2 or more times per day”. 2.4 Data analysis Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were recorded and transcribed from local Garo language into English. Transcripts were used to compile a list of indigenous and non-indigenous rice varieties consumed by the Garo tribe, categorized into commonly/little/historically consumed Indigenous Foods (IFs). A deductive approach method was used for coding the data to identify main themes related to factors affecting rice consumption. Pairwise ranking data helped assess preferences for specific rice varieties through comparative scoring. 2.5 Ethical considerations The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee at The George Institute for Global Health India, New Delhi [ 14 ]. Administrative approvals were obtained from district authorities and cluster level informed consent was secured from village leaders prior to data collection. Written informed consent was obtained from literate participants, while verbal informed consent witnessed by a third party was taken from the illiterate participants. All the participants were informed about the FGDs being recorded and informed consent was obtained. 3. Results The Garo tribe primarily engages in agriculture on Jhum lands (slash and burn agriculture) and plain farmlands, while also participating in homestead gardening and forestry [ 15 ]. Agriculture is their primary livelihood activity which also supports their food security. The following sections describe the systematic documentation and characterization of local rice varieties of Garos, consumption preferences and pattern towards specific rice varieties in the community. 3.1 Local rice varieties and their characteristics For many generations, Garos have been cultivating numerous heirloom rice varieties, integral to their local culture in terms of consumption as well as traditional celebrations and festivals. As reported in qualitative enquiries, the Garos consider rice as their staple food, with 64 different types of varieties reported, comprising indigenous (n = 41), non-indigenous varieties (n = 12), improved (n = 7) and hybrid varieties (n = 4). Majority of these varieties (59%, n = 38) are cultivated on plain farmlands (or lowlands), while the remaining are cultivated in Jhum lands (41%, n = 26) (Table 2 ). Table 2 Local rice varieties of Garo tribe ( Am’beng sub-tribe), West Garo Hills, Meghalaya Sno Local name Type of rice (sticky/non-sticky) Variety Consumption preference Land use Typology Matched with existing database 1 Minil mi Sticky rice Indigenous Commonly consumed Low land paddy Rice genepool data 2 Mi Gitchak/Medu Non-sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 3 Mima Gisim Non-sticky rice Indigenous Commonly consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 4 Mi Kudep Non-sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 5 Mi Balbok Non-sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 6 Mi Kishore Non-sticky rice Improved Commonly consumed Low land paddy KVK registered rice list and rice genepool data 7 Mi Jaha Aromatic rice Indigenous Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 8 Ronjit/Ranjit mi Non-sticky rice Improved Commonly consumed Low land paddy Rice genepool data 9 Ringon mi Non-sticky rice Hybrid Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 10 Ari Mi Non-sticky rice Improved Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 11 Porimol & Arhaam Mi Non-sticky rice Improved Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 12 Mima Burung Non-sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Low land paddy Rice genepool data 13 Mi Jowai Non-sticky rice Non-indigenous Little consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 14 Mi Mima/ Sarengma Non-sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy KVK registered rice list and rice genepool data 15 Mima Boldak Non-sticky rice Indigenous Commonly consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 16 Hybrid mi Non-sticky rice Hybrid Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 17 Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil / Mi Ja.wek Non-sticky rice Indigenous Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 18 Mi Masuri Non-sticky rice Improved Commonly consumed Low land paddy Rice genepool data 19 Mi Kutturi Non-sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 20 Rahe Mi Non-sticky rice Non-indigenous Little consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 21 Mi Champali Non-sticky rice Non-indigenous Commonly consumed Low land paddy Rice genepool data 22 Parboiled rice Non-sticky rice Non-indigenous Little consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 23 Mi Jaya Non-sticky rice Improved Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 24 Mrong Mi / Morong Mi Non-sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Low land paddy KVK registered rice list 25 Malbok Mi Non-sticky rice Indigenous Commonly consumed Low land paddy Rice genepool data 26 Kochu Amon Mi Non-sticky rice Non-indigenous Little consumed Low land paddy Rice genepool data 27 Mima Bolong Non-sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 28 Gaura Mi Non-sticky rice Hybrid Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 29 Chekon Mi Non-sticky rice Non-indigenous Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 30 Mima Midikkil Non-sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 31 Kotchi/kotchu mi/kotchu gisim mi Non-sticky rice Indigenous Commonly consumed Jhum land paddy KVK registered rice list 32 Bhog/Pok mi Non-sticky rice Improved Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 33 Mi Haturi Non-sticky rice Hybrid Little consumed Low land paddy Rice genepool data 34 Mi Sarang/Mirimit Non-sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 35 Mi Jengim Non-sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 36 Mima Guri/Gurung Non-sticky rice Non-indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 37 Mi Chagring Non-sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 38 Mi Sampal Non-sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 39 Mi Kambil Non-sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 40 Minil Mewas Sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 41 Khalji Minil Sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 42 Minil Chagring Sticky rice Indigenous Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 43 Atte pangra/Banda Non-sticky rice Indigenous Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 44 Rangda Gitchak/ Minil Gitchak/ Sa'sik Red sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 45 Minil Do.bima Sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 46 Minil Nangjaket/Gate Sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 47 Minil Wa.tre Sticky rice Non-indigenous Little consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 48 Minil Bhog/Pok Sticky rice Non-indigenous Commonly consumed Low land paddy Not registered in any database 49 Minil Dagal Sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 50 Mi Gangget Sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy KVK registered rice list 51 Minil Rongdat Sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database 52 Babuja Minil Sticky rice Non-indigenous Little consumed low land paddy Rice genepool data 53 Kala Jheera Mi Non-sticky rice Non-indigenous Commonly consumed low land paddy Rice genepool data 54 Nasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket Sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed low land paddy KVK registered rice list 55 Minil Guwahati Sticky rice Non-indigenous Little consumed low land paddy Rice genepool data 56 Minil Jaha Aromatic sticky rice Indigenous Commonly consumed low land paddy KVK registered rice list 57 Minil Shillong Sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed low land paddy Not registered in any database 58 Aringha Minil Sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed low land paddy KVK registered rice list 59 Bija Minil Sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed low land paddy Rice genepool data 60 Minil Babret/Minil Gitchak Sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum & low land paddy Rice genepool data 61 Minil Gipok/ Michidare White sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 62 Mi Skap/Minil Skap Sticky rice Indigenous Little consumed low land paddy Not registered in any database 63 Mima Raka Red sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Rice genepool data 64 Mi Nengel Sticky rice Indigenous Historically consumed Jhum land paddy Not registered in any database Indigenous rice varieties refer to varieties native to the place, which are locally adapted to soil type and environmental conditions [ 16 ]; Non-indigenous rice varieties refer to varieties that are not native to the place and have been introduced through human activity, either deliberately or accidentally [ 17 ]; Improved rice varieties refer to type of rice developed through scientific breeding to have enhanced traits like higher yield and better disease resistance [ 18 ]; Hybrid rice varieties refer to rice varieties that are created through cross-combination of two different species of rice varieties [ 19 ]; Historically consumed refers to rice varieties that were consumed previously and have extinct at present. However, a majority of varieties (63%) are presently either little consumed (n = 27) or historically consumed (n = 13), i.e. these varieties are not cultivated anymore, primarily due to loss of seeds. Further, among the total listed rice varieties, the rice profile checklist could be completed for only nine indigenous rice varieties as the community members have very little to no information for most varieties, thus highlighting the loss of traditional knowledge about local rice varieties in Garo community. Figure 2 outlines the systematic documentation of the rice varieties. Table 3 presents detailed characteristics of these nine varieties of rice. Majority of the varieties (n = 8) are cultivated during the Kharif cycle, following the low-land farming system. The sowing period mostly ranges from May to August months and harvesting period ranges from October to December. These varieties differ in their physical properties such as height of the plant, colour of seed, size of the grain, texture and aroma. For instance, some of the red-coloured rice varieties include Minil Mi, Minil Babret/Minil Gitchak,Nasikket Minil/Minil Nisikket/Minasikket,Mima Raka and sticky-rice varieties include Minil Mi, Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek, Malbok Mi, Minil Jaha and many others. Most of the rice varieties are used for home consumption due to low production into the field or Jhum lands. Further, the community reported preserving the seeds of existing indigenous varieties every year for the next sowing season, in traditional containers locally called ‘ Jam’ . Among the enlisted varieties, the community reported that they receive ‘ Ringon Mi ’ and ‘ Chekon Mi’ rice under Targeted Public Distribution System[1] . The names of enlisted rice varieties were further cross verified from the secondary databases (KVK registered list and rice variety gene pool, West Garo Hills) to draw out names of rice varieties missing in existing secondary databases. After verification from the secondary data base and enquiry with agricultural specialists, a total of 21 varieties of rice were identified to be farmer-registered varieties. Table 3 Characterization of local rice varieties of Garo tribe ( Am’beng sub-tribe), West Garo Hills, Meghalaya Sno. Local name Common name Farming system typologies (low land/ Jhum land) Cropping season (Rabi/Kharif) Type of irrigation Irrigated/ rainfed Sowing time Trans planting time b No of tillers per plant c Height of plant (cm) Harvesting time Duration d (days) Yield (quintal/ hectare) Special feature of plant (flower/fruit colour, flowering season) 1 Mi Kishore HYV a rice Low land Kharif Rainfed May July 4–5 84 Nov-Dec 160–165 29–32 Round grain and starchy 2 Ronjit/ Ranjit mi HYV a rice Low land Kharif Rainfed May Jun-Aug 4–7 87 Nov-Dec 145–150 30–32 It expands more compared to other varieties 3 Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek White rice Low land Kharif Rainfed May Jun-Aug 4–5 60 Nov-Dec 140–150 26–29 Shortest among all the rice varieties 4 Mi Jaya White rice Low land Kharif Rainfed May May/Jun 5–6 91 Oct-Dec 130–135 32–35 Husk is yellowish, slightly aromatic and starchy 5 Mrong/Morong Mi White rice Low land Kharif Rainfed June July 5–6 72 Nov- Dec 140–150 26–28 Small white grains, brown husk 6 Malbok Mi Aromatic rice Low land Kharif Rainfed June July 3–4 82 Nov-Dec 160–165 24–27 Lighter colour grain and has pleasant smell 7 Mi Chagring White rice Low land Kharif Rainfed June July 5–6 87 Nov 150–155 28–30 - 8 Atte Pangra/Banda White rice Low land Kharif Rainfed June July 4–5 64 Nov/Dec 145–155 25–27 - 9 Nasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket White rice Low land Kharif Rainfed May-June Jun-Aug 3–4 89 Nov-Dec 155 − 60 24–26 White, long grains, little bit reddish, black husk like round shape a High Yeilding Variety (HYV) b Transplanting time refers to the process when the young saplings of rice plant are planted c number of tillers are the count of the branches in each stem of the plant d duration refers to the number of days it takes to become mature and ready to harvest 3.2 Test weight of rice varieties Based on the availability, 13 local rice varieties were collected and sent to KVK, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya for their test weight analyses. The test weight was in-between the range of 19.4–27.9 grams, reflecting the characteristic of thicker and heavy density grains. The test weight of all the 13 varieties is listed in the Table 4 . The husks were different in terms of its colour, size, shape and texture (as shown in Fig. 3 ). Table 4 Test weight of selected rice varieties S. No. Local name Test weight result (g) 1 Mi Kishore 25.6 2 Ronjit/Ranjit Mi 19.4 3 Mi Jowai 23.89 4 Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek 21.28 5 Mrong Mi/ Morong Mi 24.42 6 Malbok Mi 24.7 7 Kotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi 27.96 8 Mi Chagring 26.8 9 Atte Pangra/Banda 23.36 10 Minil Guwahati 20.92 11 Nasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket 27.46 12 Minil Jaha 20.38 13 Minil Chagring 25.52 1. Mi Kishore, 2. Mi Chagring, 3. Mi Jaya, 4. Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek, 5. Malbok Mi, 6. Minil Chagring, 7. Kotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi, 8. Atte Pangra/Banda, 9. Nasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket 3.3 Classification of rice varieties based on preferences Pairwise ranking method, based on criterion such as taste, availability, and ease of production by the community, further revealed comparative preference toward specific indigenous varieties of rice. A total of 14 pairwise rankings were conducted (one in each study village), which revealed Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek, Malbok Mi and Kotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi as the most preferred indigenous rice varieties, primarily attributable to their taste and aroma. Among sticky rice varieties Minil Mi and Minil Rongdat emerged as the commonly consumed items. Mi Chagring, Mi Mima/Sarengma and Mi Gitchak emerged as less popular and little-consumed varieties. Figure 4 provides some examples of scoring and ranking of indigenous rice varieties among communities. 3.4. Nutritional profile of local rice varieties Nutritive values were documented for eight rice varieties that were mapped in secondary literature and/or were commonly consumed by the Garo tribe. Additionally, three varieties with test weight measures were also analysed for their nutrient composition. Thus, the nutritive values were documented for eleven rice varieties; among these, six were analysed in a NABL certified laboratory while the nutritive values of remaining samples were documented from secondary literature. Table 5 summarizes the nutritive values of the rice varieties. Of the eleven varieties, the protein content ranged from 6.55-9.02g/100g with Kotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi providing the highest amount of protein. Atte Pangra/Banda , a commonly consumed rice variety was found to be rich in iron (10.14mg/100g). Sticky rice varieties like Minil Gipok/Michidare, Minil Babret/Minil Gitchak, Minil Jaha had zinc content varying between 2.01–2.9 mg/100g and a high dietary fibre content was reported in Minil Jaha (6.03 g/100g), Kotchu Mi (5.9 g/100g), Nasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket (5.4 g/100g), Minil Babret/Minil Gitchak (5.7 g/100g), and Minil Gipok/Michidare (5.9 g/100g). Table 5 Nutritive value of the rice varieties analyzed in laboratory and from secondary literature S.no Local name Energy (Kcal/ 100g) Protein (g/100g) Carbohydrate (g/100g) Fat (g/ 100g) Dietary fibre (g/ 100g) Vit B1 (mg/100g) # Vit B2 (mg/100g) # Vit B3 (mg/ 100g) # Vit B6 (mg/ 100g) # Iron (mg/ 100g) Zinc (mg/ 100g) Calcium (mg/ 100g) Tannin (% by wt) Total aflatoxins (µg/kg) Source 1 Mi Jaya 347 7.9 76.5 0.89 0.9 0.2 0.05 1.7 0.1 1.5 1.8 77.9 0.05 BLQ Laboratory analysis 2 Ronjit/Ranjit Mi 359 8.9 74.3 0.7 0.6 0.01 0.03 0.03 0.01 0.9 1.6 21.1 0.3 BLQ Laboratory analysis 3 Atte Pangra/Banda 359 8.4 79.3 0.65 0.7 0.01 0.02 0.1 0.006 10.1 1.4 26.1 0.3 BLQ Laboratory analysis 4 Mi Kutturi 342 7.1 78.6 - 0.5 - 0.3 - 0.008 0.7 1.3 21.9 0.8 3.9 Laboratory analysis 5 Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/Mi Ja.Wek 362 7.3 81.8 0.56 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.02 0.8 1.7 23.7 1.2 BLQ Laboratory analysis 6 Minil Chagring 337 7.2 77.4 - 0.5 - 0.2 - 0.01 1.7 1.6 28.5 0.3 4.2 Laboratory analysis 7 Kotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi 342 9.02 70.4 3.28 5.9 0.2 0.03 3.9 - 1.3 2.4 6.7 - - Longvah et al.,2020 8 Nasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket 342 6.6 73.6 2.52 5.4 0.3 0.1 3.3 - 0.9 1.7 8.9 - - Longvah et al.,2020 9 Minil Jaha 337 6.6 71.8 2.41 6.03 0.3 0.1 3.03 - 0.7 2.1 7.1 - - Longvah et al.,2020 10 Minil Babret/Minil Gitcha k 345 6.9 70.9 3.39 5.7 0.2 0.07 2.1 - 0.8 2.01 6.5 - - Longvah et al.,2020 11 Minil Gipok/Michidare 331 8.7 67.4 2.58 5.9 0.4 0.08 2.9 - 1.3 2.9 15.4 - - Longvah et al.,2020 *BLQ- Below Limit of Quantification # Analyzed in microgram (µg), reported in milligram (mg) after conversion 3.4 Factors influencing paddy cultivation Although free-listing exercise revealed a list of 64 rice varieties comprising both indigenous and non-indigenous varieties, further discussions with the community revealed that the cultivation of rice varieties among Garo tribe has significantly reduced in recent times due to multiple interlinked factors. Three main themes emerged, which were 1) erratic rainfall, 2) reduced soil fertility and 3) poor seed germination and low yield. The community reported that erratic rainfall over the past few years, particularly the last five years, have resulted in poor soil fertility, which in turn has led to poor germination of paddy seeds, resulting in their low yield. This perception was mainly reported for paddy varieties cultivated in Jhum fields. Community members from Mangdugre and Buri Para villages of Dandenggre and Rongram blocks of West Garo Hills shared their views- “ Nengnikaniko on.gipade a.a manchasa, maina skango jekai a.sal onga.chim ugita ong.jaha, uni gimin jeko ge.oba, bite an name nange on.jajok. Bipangrangan silna man.jae, siangaijok, e.ching bipangba indaken dakangaingjok. Ia ong.anirangra obostaosa pangchaka, da.omangba chinga nambata ine agana man.ja. Mi bipangrang jo.ongrangchi nosto ka.ako man.a, beben department ni gita chingna jo.ongko siatna samrangko on.genchimoba, jo.ongko bon.e gimaatna gita man.ja.” (original quote in Garo language) “ The problem is with the soil, because it is not fertile as before, so whatever we plant (paddy crop), does not give us good harvest. The plants also wither and die; it happens with ginger plants also. The impact depends on the situation; we cannot say that it has become better. Even though our paddy crop faces pest infestation, the department gives us pesticides but even then, it cannot eradicate the pests” (Translated quote in English) (Farmer, male, Buri Para village, Rongram block) Another farmer from Mangudgre village shared similar views: “Chingo a.ba de donga, indiba dasio agangimin gita, mi name bite nange on.jaha. A.bao mi namgijani, bilsi gittam, bilsi bongarang gapaha.” (original quote in Garo language) “We have Jhum fields also, but like I said earlier, we do not get good yield from rice. It has been long, about 3–5 years since we got good rice harvest from our Jhum fields” (Translated quote in English) (Farmer, Mangdugre village, Dadenggre block) According to Garo community, deforestation and consequent declining land area under Jhum cultivation, due to commercial plantations like betel nut and cashew nutwere further leading to reduced cultivation of indigenous paddy varieties. As one farmer shared- “ Skangni somoirangode, songni nokni manderang burungko biap dale ripingrongachim, daororode, biap mananirang komijok maina chinga a.ba cha.aniba komijok. Chinga a.ba cha.aniko burung biap dalao dakgenchimode, a.arang a.sal ongbatachim aro mi misirangba bite manbatachim. Daororode, chinga bol wa.arangko den.e pale cha.aniko dakskaengaha, uni aselsa a.arang a.sal ong.ani komiaha. Skangode indakgipa pale sim.e cha.ani dongjachim ” (original quote in Garo language) “ Back in the day, people used to conserve large areas of forests, now we have lesser area because we are practicing jhum cultivation less. If we practice Jhum cultivation on a large area of forests, soil fertility is better and hence, the yield of rice and millets is also better. Now we are trading bamboo and cutting down trees for commercial purposes, hence fertility has also gone down. There was no commercialization earlier “ (Translated quote in English) (Farmer, Mangdugre village, Dadenggre block) The erratic rainfall and diminished Jhum land area under cultivation led to only a few community members cultivating paddy. This has led to lower contribution of home cultivated rice into routine rice consumption at home. Additionally, as shared by other respondents, the eroding traditional knowledge is leading to loss of local paddy seeds, which further makes it difficult for to the community to cultivate local paddy varieties. An elderly woman from one of the study villages shared- “Chinga da.ode skangni ge.a gamani dakbewalko jarikjaha, maina chinga da.ode began bariko dakskaengjok. Chingo da.ode, a.ba chana gitaba a.ba rangba dongjaha, chinga jakomsa mi bitchilko satoba, name bite nangna gita man.jaha.” (original quote in Garo language) “We don’t follow any traditional methods anymore as we have now resorted to settled cultivation. We do not have shifting fields anymore to practice our traditional ways, even if we do sow a handful rice seeds, they do not yield us good crop now”. (Translated quote in English) (Elderly woman, Rebugre village, Dadenggre block) Economic factors further contribute to this transition, since people from Garo tribe reported an increasing preference and shift towards wage labour under schemes like “MGNREGA,” which offers a quicker and more secure income than the intensive paddy cultivation process. This shift has in turn reduced household paddy production, leading to greater dependence on purchased rice. As a result, traditional agricultural practices that once sustained local food security are gradually being lost. 3.5 Consumption of local rice varieties The findings from FFQ revealed that nearly all Garo households (94.7%) were mainly consuming non-indigenous rice varieties, with 90% consuming them daily. The Control/Challan rice (any rice variety procured from market such as Champali/Ronjit/Basmati etc), merged as the most consumed non-indigenous rice across the households. On the other hand, indigenous rice varieties (mostly Atte Pangra ) were seen to be consumed in only 5% households (i.e. 9 out of 171 households). Table 6 Frequency of rice consumption at household level among Garo tribal community of Meghalaya Frequency of consumption n (%) Indigenous rice varieties 1 Non-indigenous rice varieties 2 Every day (1–3 times) 9 (5.3) 155 (90.6) 5–6 days a week - 2 (1.2) 3–4 days a week - 2 (1.2) 1–2 days a week 8 (4.6) 2 (1.2) Once in a fortnight 13 (7.6) 1 (0.5) Once in a month - - Never 141 (82.5) 9 (5.3) 1 Minil Mi, Mi Kishore,Mima Burung, Mi Jowai,Mi Dambak/Mi Damdil/Mi Ja.Wek, Mi Musuri,Mi Jaya,Mrong Mi/ Morong Mi,Malbok Mi, Kotchi/Kotchu Mi/Kotchu Gisim Mi, Mima Midikkil, Kotchi/Kotchu Mi/Kotchu Gisim Mi, Pok Mi, Mi Jengim, Mima Guri / Gurung, Mi Chagring, Kala Jheera,,Mima Raka; 2 Mima Gisim, Pori Mol/Arham, Mi Jaha, Ari Mi 2 Control/Challan, Pori Mol/Arham, Mi Jaha, Ari Mi, Ringon Mi 4. Discussion The present study systematically documents the local rice varieties of Garo ( Am’beng ) tribe of Meghalaya, India, with information on their cultivation systems, community preferences, nutritive values, consumption patterns and the factors affecting its cultivation. A total of 64 local rice varieties were enlisted reflecting high agro-biodiversity, covering over 60% indigenous varieties linked to both Jhum land and lowland cultivation systems. However, only a fraction of these varieties was reportedly commonly consumed. The reasons cited for poor consumption included unavailability of grain, poor taste, declining paddy cultivation, attributable to erratic rainfall pattern, reduced soil fertility and poor yield. Findings from FFQ further revealed predominant consumption of non-indigenous rice varieties in nearly all surveyed households. According to the documented nutritive values in the secondary literatures and laboratory analyses from NABL certified lab, traditional rice varieties of the Garo community are rich in both macronutrients (protein and dietary fibre) and micronutrients (iron and zinc) compared to the conventional rice varieties commonly consumed in India [ 20 ]. Studies from North-east India on traditional rice varieties have demonstrated similar findings. Traditional rice landraces from Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, have been found to contain higher content of dietary fibre and lower phytate levels than conventional rice varieties consumed across India, thus highlighting their superior nutrient profile and potential to improve mineral bioavailability in Indian diets [ 21 ]. Another study on local rice varieties of Assam indicated higher levels of protein, zinc and calcium in brown rice and minimally milled rice varieties [ 22 ]. Studies from other tribal-dominated belts of India have also documented higher nutritional values in traditional rice varieties. For instance, the traditional rice landraces of southern Odisha have been found to have higher content of dietary fibre and micronutrient levels (like iron, calcium, zinc, niacin) and low phytate levels than popular rice varieties [ 16 ]. Comprehensive scientific reviews have further highlighted the nutritional and therapeutic value of traditional rice landraces in terms of their superior amino acid profile, low glycaemic index and high content of resistant starch and dietary fibre, thus being vital for improving gut health and alleviating malnutrition [ 23 ]. In terms of stress resistance and resilience, indigenous varieties have been tapped for rice-pre breeding programs that attempt to use wild/untapped genetic resources and elite cultivars, for introducing desirable traits. As an example, researchers in Orissa have been testing and characterising drought and abiotic stress resistance features in indigenous rice landraces to conserve and harness them in breeding programs [ 24 , 25 ]. Many traditional rice varieties of Garos have distinctive traits such as grain pigmentation (red, black, and white rice) and a sticky texture. Pigmented rice varieties are rich in bioactive compounds like anthoxanthins and anthocyanins, which provide strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties compared to non-pigmented rice varieties [ 26 ]. The Minil , or sticky rice varieties of the Garos, are characterized by short, opaque grains with very low amylose content, resulting in their characteristic stickiness after cooking. These sticky rice types hold immense cultural significance and are used for preparing various traditional dishes and beverages like Pitta (steamed rice cake), Sakkin (sweet preparation), and Me.bitchi (rice beer) [ 27 ]. Additionally, these traditional rice varieties are recognized for their therapeutic potential and high dietary fiber content [ 27 ] Extracts from some black rice varieties in countries like Thailand have been shown to reduce endothelial dysfunction and inflammation [ 28 ] while those from others have shown impact cognitive function in Male wistar rats weighing 180–220 gm and 10–14 weeks via effects on their oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory markers [ 29 ]. However, external factors like climate change, land use and poor soil fertility have resulted in declining paddy production, especially the indigenous varieties cultivated in Jhum lands. The impact of climate change on agricultural practices among smallholder farmers from other tribal communities of India is well documented [ 30 – 34 ]. Studies from Meghalaya have also documented the increasing impact of climate change on paddy cultivation, with erratic rainfall and rising temperatures directly impacting the sowing and harvesting season of paddy [ 35 ]. Additionally, existing literature from Meghalaya highlights the impact of irregular distribution of rainfall, leading to extreme weather events like seasonal floods and drought, thus negatively affecting paddy growth, yield and quality [ 35 , 36 ]. According to Wahlang et al., 2025, local farmers’ dependence on rain-fed agriculture, combined with shifting cultivation practices, has further exacerbated soil erosion and degradation, intensifying the negative impacts of climate change [ 35 ]. At the same time, the agricultural landscape in West Garo Hills has been undergoing transformation, with farmers shifting to commercial, plantation crops like betel nut, cashew nut and emerging rubber cultivation for higher economic returns to improve their standard of living [ 37 ]. The cash-crop production has not only increased the opportunity cost of shifting cultivation practices, but has also enhanced monocropping, affecting the ecological sustainability and food security, both in the long and short run [ 37 ]. These challenges highlight the need for providing institutional support and resources to local Garo farmers, focusing on sustainable agricultural methods and climate resilient technologies. The KVK in West Garo Hills district, the nodal KVK in our study region, has been actively engaged in addressing these challenges through training sessions and workshops for farmers on sustainable cultivation practices, to improve paddy production while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts through climate resilient agriculture [ 38 ]. The provision of adequate agricultural technologies and resources, supplemented with awareness generation on effective sowing practices, will help bridge the existing paddy yield gap in Meghalaya [ 39 ]. The Meghalaya State Rice Mission (MSRM) consists of an integrated set of programmes aimed at narrowing the gap between rice production and consumption by doubling the production of rice in the state [ 40 ]. Since topography, soil health, and cultivation patterns affect rice production mechanisms in West Garo Hills, geospatial technology could be used for planning rice expansion strategies through identification of blocks and villages with high production potential, for specific interventions under MSRM and other agricultural programmes [ 40 ]. The International Rice Research Institute and India’s National Agricultural Research and Extension System have deployed 31 new rice varieties, tailored for different ecosystems with significant advantages over traditional varieties. These advantages include higher yields under drought or flooding stress, improved water-use efficiency, and traits like herbicide tolerance [ 41 ]. The improved varieties also include biofortified varieties with enhanced micronutrient content, such as higher zinc levels, which support both productivity and nutritional security goals [ 41 ]. As Meghalaya is one of the four biodiversity hotspots in India, it represents a critically important region for biodiversity conservation due to its unique habitats and diverse traditional food systems, rooted in traditional ecological knowledge and practices [ 42 ]. The rich biodiversity of Meghalaya forms the backbone of the traditional food systems of local tribal communities, including the Garos, and is reflected in their numerous local rice varieties cultivated across Jhum and low-lying land cultivation systems. These traditional rice varieties, selected and conserved over generations, are closely linked to local food preferences and cultural practices. The Indigenous (tribal) smallholders and their allies form the foundation of important agroecological pathways for agricultural innovation and sustainability, grounded in saving and sharing of diverse local varieties, Thus, there is a strong need for systematic scientific documentation of traditional ecological knowledge associated with rice cultivation and varietal diversity to ensure its sustenance and intergenerational preservation. 5. Conclusion The current study documents traditional rice varieties of Garos for conserving agrobiodiversity and safeguarding traditional ecological knowledge embedded in their traditional food system. These rice landraces, developed and maintained over generations, are now losing precedence, due to climate change and the growing shift towards commercially oriented agriculture. This study corroborates that indigenous rice varieties of Garos are nutrient-rich and could provide valuable traits for breeding programs focused on improving nutritional quality of rice. Since most tribal communities, especially in North-east India, consume rice as their staple food, propagation of the traditional rice landraces could be leveraged to address the rampant hidden hunger in these populations. By scientifically documenting these varieties, the study contributes to preventing genetic erosion and provides an important resource for future crop improvement, as well as food and nutritional security, among the Garo community of Meghalaya. Declarations Acknowledgement The authors would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the survey participants for sharing their valuable information with us. we would also appreciate the contribution of Sumit Sutradhar for his technical support in extracting rice gene pool data from ICAR-NBPGR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources) database. Authors contribution statement SP: Conceptualization, investigation, formal analysis, visualization, methodology, writing – original draft preparation, overall formatting, revision; RK: Introduction, investigation, formal analysis writing – review & editing, referencing, supervision; RS: Investigation, formal analysis, writing – review & editing; AS: Introduction, writing – review & editing, discussion, TKD: Technical inputs ; SGJ: Resources, discussion, supervision, writing – review & editing. Funding statement This research work was conducted under the larger study funded by DBT Wellcome Trust India Alliance (IA/TSG/21/1/600230). Data availability The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Clinical trial number Not applicable Ethics statement This research was conducted in full compliance with the research guidelines laid down in Declaration of Helsinki and all procedures involving humans in this study were approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee at The George Institute for Global Health India, New Delhi (20/2022). All necessary permissions and approvals for the data collection were obtained from the relevant authorities. Consent to participate Participation in this study was entirely voluntary. A participant information sheet was distributed with all the participants and informed consents were obtained. All the identifiable records about participants remains confidential. Consent to publish Not applicable (the study team took informed consent to participate with other information provided on data protection etc. however we did not take consent to publish). Competing interests’ policy The authors declare no competing interests. Dual publication declaration The results/data/figures in this manuscript have not been published elsewhere, nor are they under consideration by another publisher. References Longvah T, Vooradi Sathya Sai P, Rajendran A, Kharkhonger GC, Rangad C. In situ nutrient variability in rice landraces from garo Hills, meghalaya in North East India. J Food Compos Anal. 2020;92:103543. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2020.103543 . Kamboj R, Singh B, Mondal TK, Bisht DS. Current status of genomic resources on wild relatives of rice. Breed Sci. 2020;70:135–44. https://doi.org/10.1270/jsbbs.19064 . Panda KK, Bisht SS, Mishra R, Sahu PK, Panda AK, Subedi R. Nutritional analysis of rice landraces from southern Odisha, India. 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Das PT, Lakiang T, Saikia B, Shabong CS, Majaw RM. Characterization of Rice Growing Areas of Meghalaya Using Geospatial Technology. Int J Sci Res Eng Dev. 2022;5:508–16. Lim A. India deploys 31 new rice varieties developed by IRRI–NARES to boost yield, nutrition [Internet]. AgTechNavigator.com. 2025 [cited 2026 Jan 13]. https://www.agtechnavigator.com/Article/2025/12/02/india-deploys-31-new-rice-varieties-developed-by-irrinares-to-boost-yield-nutrition/ . Accessed 13 Jan 2026. Network H. Rooted in resilience: How Meghalaya’s indigenous food systems set a global example [Internet]. Hub News. 2025 [cited 2026 Jan 13]. https://hubnetwork.in/rooted-in-resilience-how-meghalayas-indigenous-food-systems-set-a-global-example/ . Accessed 13 Jan 2026. Footnotes Targeted public distribution system is an Indian food security scheme under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. This scheme includes distribution of major food commodities including staple food grains, such as wheat and/or rice, sugar and kerosene oil (a fuel used for cooking) through a network of public distribution shops (also known as ration shops) at subsidized prices. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files Supplementarytable1ricepaperGaro.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviews received at journal 02 May, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 20 Apr, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 19 Apr, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 18 Apr, 2026 Reviews received at journal 04 Apr, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 22 Mar, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 22 Mar, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 19 Mar, 2026 Reviewers invited by journal 17 Mar, 2026 Editor assigned by journal 09 Mar, 2026 Submission checks completed at journal 05 Mar, 2026 First submitted to journal 05 Mar, 2026 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-8966968","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":608401047,"identity":"78f8f28c-f662-497c-bf1b-2314586444fe","order_by":0,"name":"Soli Padi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"George Institute for Global Health","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Soli","middleName":"","lastName":"Padi","suffix":""},{"id":608401048,"identity":"d8375f41-f90a-4db0-bbc9-c8d361c088ec","order_by":1,"name":"Ridhima Kapoor","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"George Institute for Global Health","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ridhima","middleName":"","lastName":"Kapoor","suffix":""},{"id":608401049,"identity":"0534faf3-c42f-40ed-9068-d2c546e2c034","order_by":2,"name":"Rashi Saini","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"George Institute for Global Health","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Rashi","middleName":"","lastName":"Saini","suffix":""},{"id":608401050,"identity":"4c82c203-d63b-43e9-b91b-dd7942020b5e","order_by":3,"name":"Archna Singh","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"All India Institute of Medical Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Archna","middleName":"","lastName":"Singh","suffix":""},{"id":608401051,"identity":"4346de9c-7ca9-4015-af38-fbfedd5ee7de","order_by":4,"name":"Tarun Kumar Das","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tarun","middleName":"Kumar","lastName":"Das","suffix":""},{"id":608401052,"identity":"39589b44-9ffc-40e1-b04e-2b3b404ae063","order_by":5,"name":"Suparna Ghosh-Jerath","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"George Institute for Global Health","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Suparna","middleName":"","lastName":"Ghosh-Jerath","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-02-25 11:08:48","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8966968/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8966968/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":105013363,"identity":"e6ff44df-d494-4088-abbb-a576a37f0d0a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-19 22:02:14","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":142472,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy site mapping of 14 villages in 2 blocks of West Garo Hills, Meghalaya\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8966968/v1/b0d178125fe1d3be0196b746.png"},{"id":105035840,"identity":"04d3bb92-da85-488f-958c-a747b22532a9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-20 07:26:44","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":256715,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSystematic documentation of rice varieties of Garo tribe, Meghalaya\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8966968/v1/e391500507ce81c4697656c3.png"},{"id":105013364,"identity":"3efa39de-720b-491c-b748-31b2529c9b30","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-19 22:02:14","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":771517,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImages of selected local rice varieties of Garo tribe, Meghalaya\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e1. Mi Kishore, 2. Mi Chagring, 3. Mi Jaya, 4. Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek, 5. Malbok Mi, 6. Minil Chagring, 7. Kotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi, 8. Atte Pangra/Banda, 9. Nasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8966968/v1/3eef7fab07d7072334b05861.png"},{"id":105013366,"identity":"623a5caa-5ffc-40a7-a7b2-258375edb7e5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-19 22:02:14","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":33825,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePairwise ranking and scores to indigenous rice varieties\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8966968/v1/2a98e294c174086c3b5926a5.png"},{"id":105036907,"identity":"3b383cd0-d1a8-49c8-a745-8a409a817329","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-20 07:36:49","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3151734,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8966968/v1/8f0df9e8-f005-4c62-86b7-a8a863ec53c8.pdf"},{"id":105013367,"identity":"25191128-6c98-4cf4-8b7a-eeecb32d2744","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-19 22:02:14","extension":"docx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":19956,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Supplementarytable1ricepaperGaro.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8966968/v1/95563af023cea67e565302be.docx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Characterizing the local rice varieties to preserve traditional ecological knowledge and promote improved agricultural practices in West Garo Hills Meghalaya India","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eRice is a major staple food for half of the global population, and India is one of the top rice-producing countries in the world [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Thousands of rice varieties are cultivated across the world, derived primarily from two major cultivated species, \u003cem\u003eOryza sativa\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eOryza glaberrima\u003c/em\u003e and a few dozen wild rice species [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Over 50,000 rice landraces exist in India which can be a valuable resource for food security, given the increasing global demands on staple crops, leading to plateauing productivity and diminishing diet quality [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. The Northeastern Region of India is home to at least 10,000 rice landraces, which have been locally adapted since generations [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. Meghalaya is one of the seven states in Northeast region, rich in both floristic and crop diversities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Rice is the principal crop of this region covering around 72% of the total cultivated area [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. It is locally referred to as \u0026lsquo;\u003cem\u003eMi Ma\u0026rsquo;\u003c/em\u003e meaning \u0026ldquo;Rice mother\u0026rdquo;, playing a central role in the lives of the local people. Although there are over 10,000 indigenous rice cultivars in the North-east region, the rice productivity in Meghalaya is lower than the national productivity due to various constraints like undulating topography, steep slopes and shallow and skeletal soils [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Despite their low yield potential, the native landraces in Meghalaya contribute to high-quality genetic pool, which keep the ecosystem stable and functional in a sustainable manner and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;A\u0026rsquo;chik\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; tribe, mostly known as Garos, reside in the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, with 12 sub-tribes comprising \u003cem\u003eAm\u0026rsquo;beng, Atong, Ruga, Gara-Ganching, Chibok, Dual, A\u0026rsquo;we, Matabeng, Matchidual, Me\u0026rsquo;gam, Matchi\u003c/em\u003e and Chisak. The Garo tribe is primarily an agrarian community largely practicing \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e or shifting cultivation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e]. They conserve, propagate and grow many different traditional rice varieties in the foot hills/valley including specific varieties of white rice \u003cem\u003e(Migra)\u003c/em\u003e, red rice \u003cem\u003e(Mi Gitchak)\u003c/em\u003e, black rice \u003cem\u003e(Mi Gisim)\u003c/em\u003e and sticky rice (\u003cem\u003eMinil\u003c/em\u003e) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. However, nutritional traits of most rice landraces consumed by Garo tribe remain under investigated. Durai \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2015) has emphasised on the importance of nutritional profiling of rice landraces of Northeast India [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. In his study, Longvah \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e (2020) profiled 32 rice landraces from Garo Hills, showing significantly higher dietary fibre and lower phytate content as compared to contemporary varieties [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAmidst rapidly changing environment and fast-paced economic, political, and cultural transformations taking place in North-east India, the traditional knowledge systems of ethnic tribal communities are facing the risk of extinction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. Further, the rapid transformation of agricultural practices in Northeast India, driven by the adoption of agronomically improved rice varieties, poses a major threat to the survival of indigenous rice cultivars [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Although, studies from North-east India have documented information on traditional rice varieties in terms of genetic diversity, aromaticity and drought tolerance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e], there exists a significant gap in the systematic documentation of local rice varieties of Garos (sub-tribe: \u003cem\u003eAm\u0026rsquo;beng\u003c/em\u003e), especially relating to the consumption preferences in the community and the nutritional profile of rice varieties. In this paper, we aim to profile the indigenous rice varieties of \u003cem\u003eAm\u0026rsquo;beng\u003c/em\u003e sub-tribal community of West Garo hills, with specific information on their characteristics, and consumption preferences. We also aim to document the nutritive values of selected commonly consumed rice varieties through laboratory analysis and published secondary literature. The information arising from this research work will be useful to develop recommendations on promoting specific rice varieties in the community in terms of production and consumption.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.1. Study design\u003c/strong\u003e: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya between March 2024 to July 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.2. Study locale\u003c/strong\u003e: The study was conducted in 14 villages of two geographically distinct blocks, namely Rongram and Dadenggre of West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya. The administrative blocks and study villages were purposively selected, based on high population density of Garo tribe (specifically \u003cem\u003eAm\u0026rsquo;beng\u003c/em\u003e sub-tribe) and the feasibility of data collection (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The district is widely known for its high altitude and frequent and long-standing monsoon season throughout the year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3. Study Procedures\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBoth qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were employed for systematic documentation of rice varieties, and consumption preferences within the community. The data collection was conducted by field team comprising trained local field workers fluent in \u003cem\u003eGaro\u003c/em\u003e language, who facilitated the qualitative discussions with the community and collected local food samples from study villages for nutritive analysis. The entire data collection was conducted and closely supervised by the core research team.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.1 Free-listing enquiries and pairwise ranking\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFourteen free-listing enquiries were undertaken, one in each study village to comprehensively document the local rice varieties known and consumed by the Garo tribe. Data collected included the type of variety (Indigenous or Non-Indigenous), availability, sowing and harvesting periods, cultivation land type (either \u003cem\u003ejhum\u003c/em\u003e or plain land) and how the community uses each variety. Participants comprised of both young adults and elderly men and women who were familiar with food purchase, access and preparation. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e provides details characteristics of the participants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDetails of study participants in free-listing enquiries (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;14)\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBlock\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudy village\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal participants\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender and age-group distribution\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRongram (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;8)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eChidaogre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 women (*3 elderly women)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKemragre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 women (*3 elderly women)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDarechikgre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7 men, 5 women; *elderly men (3) \u0026amp; women (1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuripara\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 men, 7 women; *elderly men (3) \u0026amp; women (3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKamagre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 men, 9 women; *elderly men (2) \u0026amp; women (3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGondenggre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 men, 3 women; *elderly men (3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTosekgre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 men, 4 women; *elderly men (1) \u0026amp; women (1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDanangre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 men, 6 women; *elderly men (1) \u0026amp; women (1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDadenggre (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRomgre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1 man, 5 women\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRabonggre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5 men, 4 women; *elderly men (1)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRebugre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4 men, 4 women\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMangdugre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 men, 7 women; *elderly men (1) \u0026amp; women (3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCheran Somagre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 men, 4 women; *elderly men (2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAsimgre\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6 men, 6 women; *elderly men (2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOnce all the rice varieties were listed from the discussions, a pairwise ranking method was used to obtain further information on the preference of one rice variety over another. Respondents were asked to select their top five preferred indigenous rice types, which were summarized as a matrix on a sheet. Participants were requested to compare the first rice variety in the row to each of the others in the column one by one. This process was followed for each of the rice varieties listed in the columns. A score was assigned based on how many times a given rice variety was chosen, and the type of rice were ranked accordingly. The rice variety with the highest score was ranked first, with subsequent scores in descending order based on the reported comparative preferences. This helped in identifying the preferred indigenous rice among the reported rice types.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.2 Characterization of local rice varieties using Rice Profile Checklist\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e A rice profile checklist was developed in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Garo Hills, Meghalaya to record the supplementary traits of the listed local rice varieties. This checklist was administered to villagers engaged in the cultivation of rice, to collate the following information:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe common name for rice variety\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eClassification of agricultural systems (low land/Jhum cultivation)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eCropping season (Rabi/Kharif)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpecific months designated for sowing, transplanting, and harvesting, with total duration\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eType of irrigation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumber of tillers per plant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeight of the plant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal yield (q/ha)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eAny distinctive characteristics of the plant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/span\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, test weight, an important parametric for predicting milling yield, seed quality and seed potential was determined for the enlisted rice varieties. The test weight for each variety was calculated by weighing its 1000 grains.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.3 Identification of the farmer-registered rice varieties and nutritive values\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn order to mark rice varieties missing in existing secondary databases, a list of farmer-identified rice varieties was obtained from KVK, West Garo Hills and rice gene pool database of West Garo Hills, Division of Agricultural Economics, ICAR-IARI, Pusa, New Delhi. The rice gene pool data was extracted from the ICAR-NBPGR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources). Based on this exercise, the names of enlisted rice varieties were matched with the names provided in secondary databases, and accordingly, a list of unmatched rice varieties was collated. From this list, commonly consumed rice varieties with distinct characteristics in terms of colour, aroma and texture, were prioritized for nutritive analysis, based on their availability. Additionally, rice samples collected for measurement of test weight were also subsequently collected for nutritive analysis. The selected rice samples were collected from field sites and sent for nutrient analysis to NABL accredited food laboratory. Different nutrients and antinutrients were analysed including energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat, dietary fibre, calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6 and tannins, and Aflatoxins B1. The nutrient content was reported per 100g. Specific methods used for analysis are provided in Supplementary Table\u0026nbsp;1.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3.4 Food Frequency Questionnaire\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA 74 -item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) comprising commonly consumed rice varieties, identified through free-listing enquiries, and categorized as indigenous and non-indigenous varieties were included. This FFQ was administered at the household level to assess the dietary patterns in Garo tribe, consumption patterns of rice varieties. The tool was administered in winter season (February-March 2025) and frequency of consumption of different rice varieties within the household over the past fortnight (i.e., 15 days) was enquired, respectively. The consumption frequencies were assessed through eight predefined categories ranging from \u0026ldquo;never\u0026rdquo; to \u0026ldquo;2 or more times per day\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4 Data analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were recorded and transcribed from local Garo language into English. Transcripts were used to compile a list of indigenous and non-indigenous rice varieties consumed by the Garo tribe, categorized into commonly/little/historically consumed Indigenous Foods (IFs). A deductive approach method was used for coding the data to identify main themes related to factors affecting rice consumption. Pairwise ranking data helped assess preferences for specific rice varieties through comparative scoring.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.5 Ethical considerations\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee at The George Institute for Global Health India, New Delhi [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Administrative approvals were obtained from district authorities and cluster level informed consent was secured from village leaders prior to data collection. Written informed consent was obtained from literate participants, while verbal informed consent witnessed by a third party was taken from the illiterate participants. All the participants were informed about the FGDs being recorded and informed consent was obtained.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Garo tribe primarily engages in agriculture on \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e lands (slash and burn agriculture) and plain farmlands, while also participating in homestead gardening and forestry [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. Agriculture is their primary livelihood activity which also supports their food security. The following sections describe the systematic documentation and characterization of local rice varieties of Garos, consumption preferences and pattern towards specific rice varieties in the community.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Local rice varieties and their characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor many generations, Garos have been cultivating numerous heirloom rice varieties, integral to their local culture in terms of consumption as well as traditional celebrations and festivals. As reported in qualitative enquiries, the Garos consider rice as their staple food, with 64 different types of varieties reported, comprising indigenous (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;41), non-indigenous varieties (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;12), improved (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7) and hybrid varieties (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4). Majority of these varieties (59%, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;38) are cultivated on plain farmlands (or lowlands), while the remaining are cultivated in \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e lands (41%, n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;26) (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal rice varieties of Garo tribe (\u003cem\u003eAm\u0026rsquo;beng\u003c/em\u003e sub-tribe), West Garo Hills, Meghalaya\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSno\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal name\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eType of rice (sticky/non-sticky)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVariety\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsumption preference\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLand use Typology\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMatched with existing database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Gitchak/Medu\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMima Gisim\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Kudep\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Balbok\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Kishore\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproved\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKVK registered rice list and rice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Jaha\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAromatic rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRonjit/Ranjit mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproved\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRingon mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAri Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproved\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorimol \u0026amp; Arhaam Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproved\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMima Burung\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Jowai\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Mima/ Sarengma\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKVK registered rice list and rice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMima Boldak\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum land paddy\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHybrid mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Dambak/ Mi Damdil / Mi Ja.wek\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Masuri\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproved\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Kutturi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRahe Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Champali\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParboiled rice\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Jaya\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproved\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMrong Mi / Morong Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKVK registered rice list\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMalbok Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKochu Amon Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMima Bolong\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGaura Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eChekon Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMima Midikkil\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKotchi/kotchu mi/kotchu gisim mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKVK registered rice list\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBhog/Pok mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproved\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Haturi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHybrid\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Sarang/Mirimit\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Jengim\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMima Guri/Gurung\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Chagring\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Sampal\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Kambil\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Mewas\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKhalji Minil\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Chagring\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAtte pangra/Banda\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRangda Gitchak/ Minil Gitchak/ Sa'sik\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRed sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Do.bima\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Nangjaket/Gate\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Wa.tre\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Bhog/Pok\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Dagal\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Gangget\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKVK registered rice list\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Rongdat\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBabuja Minil\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003elow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKala Jheera Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003elow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003elow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKVK registered rice list\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Guwahati\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003elow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Jaha\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAromatic sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommonly consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003elow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKVK registered rice list\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Shillong\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003elow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAringha Minil\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003elow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKVK registered rice list\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBija Minil\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003elow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Babret/Minil Gitchak\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum \u0026amp; low\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Gipok/ Michidare\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Skap/Minil Skap\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLittle consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003elow\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMima Raka\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRed sticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRice genepool data\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Nengel\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSticky rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHistorically consumed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land paddy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot registered in any database\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eIndigenous rice varieties refer to varieties native to the place, which are locally adapted to soil type and environmental conditions\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e];\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eNon-indigenous rice varieties refer to varieties that are not native to the place and have been introduced through human activity, either deliberately or accidentally\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]; \u003cem\u003eImproved rice varieties refer to type of rice developed through scientific breeding to have enhanced traits like higher yield and better disease resistance\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]; \u003cem\u003eHybrid rice varieties refer to rice varieties that are created through cross-combination of two different species of rice varieties\u003c/em\u003e [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e];\u003cem\u003eHistorically consumed refers to rice varieties that were consumed previously and have extinct at present.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, a majority of varieties (63%) are presently either little consumed (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;27) or historically consumed (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;13), i.e. these varieties are not cultivated anymore, primarily due to loss of seeds. Further, among the total listed rice varieties, the rice profile checklist could be completed for only nine indigenous rice varieties as the community members have very little to no information for most varieties, thus highlighting the loss of traditional knowledge about local rice varieties in Garo community. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e outlines the systematic documentation of the rice varieties. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e presents detailed characteristics of these nine varieties of rice.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMajority of the varieties (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;8) are cultivated during the Kharif cycle, following the low-land farming system. The sowing period mostly ranges from May to August months and harvesting period ranges from October to December. These varieties differ in their physical properties such as height of the plant, colour of seed, size of the grain, texture and aroma. For instance, some of the red-coloured rice varieties include \u003cem\u003eMinil Mi, Minil Babret/Minil Gitchak,Nasikket Minil/Minil Nisikket/Minasikket,Mima Raka\u003c/em\u003e and sticky-rice varieties include \u003cem\u003eMinil Mi, Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek, Malbok Mi, Minil Jaha\u003c/em\u003e and many others. Most of the rice varieties are used for home consumption due to low production into the field or \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e lands. Further, the community reported preserving the seeds of existing indigenous varieties every year for the next sowing season, in traditional containers locally called \u0026lsquo;\u003cem\u003eJam\u0026rsquo;\u003c/em\u003e. Among the enlisted varieties, the community reported that they receive \u0026lsquo;\u003cem\u003eRingon Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rsquo; and \u0026lsquo;\u003cem\u003eChekon Mi\u0026rsquo;\u003c/em\u003e rice under Targeted Public Distribution System[1]\u003ca class=\"FNLink\" href=\"#Fn1\" id=\"#FNLinkFn1\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe names of enlisted rice varieties were further cross verified from the secondary databases (KVK registered list and rice variety gene pool, West Garo Hills) to draw out names of rice varieties missing in existing secondary databases. After verification from the secondary data base and enquiry with agricultural specialists, a total of 21 varieties of rice were identified to be farmer-registered varieties.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCharacterization of local rice varieties of Garo tribe (\u003cem\u003eAm\u0026rsquo;beng\u003c/em\u003e sub-tribe), West Garo Hills, Meghalaya\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"14\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSno.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal name\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommon name\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFarming system typologies\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(low land/\u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCropping season\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(Rabi/Kharif)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eType of irrigation\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIrrigated/ rainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSowing time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTrans\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eplanting time\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo of tillers per plant\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeight of plant\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHarvesting time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuration\u003csup\u003ed\u003c/sup\u003e (days)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYield (quintal/ hectare)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpecial feature of plant\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(flower/fruit colour, flowering season)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Kishore\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHYV\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKharif\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJuly\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u0026ndash;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNov-Dec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160\u0026ndash;165\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u0026ndash;32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRound grain and starchy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRonjit/ Ranjit mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHYV\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKharif\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJun-Aug\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u0026ndash;7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNov-Dec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e145\u0026ndash;150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u0026ndash;32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt expands more compared to other varieties\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKharif\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJun-Aug\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u0026ndash;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNov-Dec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e140\u0026ndash;150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u0026ndash;29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eShortest among all the rice varieties\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Jaya\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKharif\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay/Jun\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOct-Dec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e130\u0026ndash;135\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u0026ndash;35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHusk is yellowish, slightly aromatic and starchy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMrong/Morong Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKharif\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJune\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJuly\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNov- Dec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e140\u0026ndash;150\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u0026ndash;28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmall white grains, brown husk\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMalbok Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAromatic rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKharif\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJune\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJuly\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNov-Dec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e160\u0026ndash;165\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u0026ndash;27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLighter colour grain and has pleasant smell\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Chagring\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKharif\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJune\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJuly\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNov\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150\u0026ndash;155\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAtte Pangra/Banda\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKharif\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJune\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJuly\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u0026ndash;5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNov/Dec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e145\u0026ndash;155\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u0026ndash;27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite rice\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLow land\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eKharif\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRainfed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMay-June\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJun-Aug\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNov-Dec\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u0026ndash;26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhite, long grains, little bit reddish, black husk like round shape\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"14\"\u003e\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003eHigh Yeilding Variety (HYV)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"14\"\u003e\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003eTransplanting time refers to the process when the young saplings of rice plant are planted\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"14\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003ec\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003enumber of tillers are the count of the branches in each stem of the plant\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"14\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003ed\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003eduration refers to the number of days it takes to become mature and ready to harvest\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Test weight of rice varieties\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the availability, 13 local rice varieties were collected and sent to KVK, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya for their test weight analyses. The test weight was in-between the range of 19.4\u0026ndash;27.9 grams, reflecting the characteristic of thicker and heavy density grains. The test weight of all the 13 varieties is listed in the Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. The husks were different in terms of its colour, size, shape and texture (as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTest weight of selected rice varieties\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS. No.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal name\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTest weight result (g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Kishore\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRonjit/Ranjit Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Jowai\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMrong Mi/ Morong Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMalbok Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Chagring\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAtte Pangra/Banda\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Guwahati\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Jaha\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Chagring\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e1. Mi Kishore, 2. Mi Chagring, 3. Mi Jaya, 4. Mi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek, 5. Malbok Mi, 6. Minil Chagring, 7. Kotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi, 8. Atte Pangra/Banda, 9. Nasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3 Classification of rice varieties based on preferences\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003ePairwise ranking method, based on criterion such as taste, availability, and ease of production by the community, further revealed comparative preference toward specific indigenous varieties of rice. A total of 14 pairwise rankings were conducted (one in each study village), which revealed \u003cem\u003eMi Dambak/ Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.Wek, Malbok Mi\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eKotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi as\u003c/em\u003e the most preferred indigenous rice varieties, primarily attributable to their taste and aroma. Among sticky rice varieties \u003cem\u003eMinil Mi\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMinil Rongdat\u003c/em\u003e emerged as the commonly consumed items. \u003cem\u003eMi Chagring, Mi Mima/Sarengma\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMi Gitchak\u003c/em\u003e emerged as less popular and little-consumed varieties. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e provides some examples of scoring and ranking of indigenous rice varieties among communities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4. Nutritional profile of local rice varieties\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eNutritive values were documented for eight rice varieties that were mapped in secondary literature and/or were commonly consumed by the Garo tribe. Additionally, three varieties with test weight measures were also analysed for their nutrient composition. Thus, the nutritive values were documented for eleven rice varieties; among these, six were analysed in a NABL certified laboratory while the nutritive values of remaining samples were documented from secondary literature. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e summarizes the nutritive values of the rice varieties. Of the eleven varieties, the protein content ranged from 6.55-9.02g/100g with \u003cem\u003eKotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi\u003c/em\u003e providing the highest amount of protein. \u003cem\u003eAtte Pangra/Banda\u003c/em\u003e, a commonly consumed rice variety was found to be rich in iron (10.14mg/100g). Sticky rice varieties like \u003cem\u003eMinil Gipok/Michidare, Minil Babret/Minil Gitchak, Minil Jaha\u003c/em\u003e had zinc content varying between 2.01\u0026ndash;2.9 mg/100g and a high dietary fibre content was reported in \u003cem\u003eMinil Jaha\u003c/em\u003e (6.03 g/100g), \u003cem\u003eKotchu Mi\u003c/em\u003e (5.9 g/100g), \u003cem\u003eNasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket\u003c/em\u003e (5.4 g/100g), \u003cem\u003eMinil Babret/Minil Gitchak\u003c/em\u003e (5.7 g/100g), and \u003cem\u003eMinil Gipok/Michidare\u003c/em\u003e (5.9 g/100g).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNutritive value of the rice varieties analyzed in laboratory and from secondary literature\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"17\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c13\" colnum=\"13\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c14\" colnum=\"14\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c15\" colnum=\"15\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c16\" colnum=\"16\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c17\" colnum=\"17\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS.no\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal name\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy (Kcal/ 100g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtein (g/100g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCarbohydrate\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g/100g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFat\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g/ 100g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDietary fibre\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(g/ 100g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVit B1 (mg/100g)\u003csup\u003e#\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVit B2 (mg/100g)\u003csup\u003e#\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVit B3 (mg/\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e100g)\u003csup\u003e#\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVit B6 (mg/\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e100g)\u003csup\u003e#\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIron (mg/\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e100g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eZinc (mg/ 100g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalcium (mg/ 100g)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTannin\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(% by wt)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal aflatoxins (\u0026micro;g/kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSource\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Jaya\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e347\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e76.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBLQ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLaboratory analysis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRonjit/Ranjit Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e359\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBLQ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLaboratory analysis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAtte Pangra/Banda\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e359\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.006\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBLQ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLaboratory analysis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Kutturi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e342\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e78.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.008\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLaboratory analysis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Dambak/\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMi Damdil/Mi Ja.Wek\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e362\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e81.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBLQ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLaboratory analysis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Chagring\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e337\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLaboratory analysis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eKotchi/ Kotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e342\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLongvah et al.,2020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNasikket Minil/ Minil Nisikket/ Minasikket\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e342\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e73.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLongvah et al.,2020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Jaha\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e337\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLongvah et al.,2020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Babret/Minil Gitcha\u003c/em\u003ek\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e345\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLongvah et al.,2020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Gipok/Michidare\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e331\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c13\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c14\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c15\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c16\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c17\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLongvah et al.,2020\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"17\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e*BLQ- Below Limit of Quantification\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"17\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cb\u003e#\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnalyzed in microgram (\u0026micro;g), reported in milligram (mg) after conversion\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4 Factors influencing paddy cultivation\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlthough free-listing exercise revealed a list of 64 rice varieties comprising both indigenous and non-indigenous varieties, further discussions with the community revealed that the cultivation of rice varieties among Garo tribe has significantly reduced in recent times due to multiple interlinked factors. Three main themes emerged, which were 1) erratic rainfall, 2) reduced soil fertility and 3) poor seed germination and low yield. The community reported that erratic rainfall over the past few years, particularly the last five years, have resulted in poor soil fertility, which in turn has led to poor germination of paddy seeds, resulting in their low yield. This perception was mainly reported for paddy varieties cultivated in \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e fields. Community members from \u003cem\u003eMangdugre\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBuri Para\u003c/em\u003e villages of Dandenggre and Rongram blocks of West Garo Hills shared their views-\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eNengnikaniko on.gipade a.a manchasa, maina skango jekai a.sal onga.chim ugita ong.jaha, uni gimin jeko ge.oba, bite an name nange on.jajok. Bipangrangan silna man.jae, siangaijok, e.ching bipangba indaken dakangaingjok. Ia ong.anirangra obostaosa pangchaka, da.omangba chinga nambata ine agana man.ja. Mi bipangrang jo.ongrangchi nosto ka.ako man.a, beben department ni gita chingna jo.ongko siatna samrangko on.genchimoba, jo.ongko bon.e gimaatna gita man.ja.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (original quote in Garo language)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eThe problem is with the soil, because it is not fertile as before, so whatever we plant (paddy crop), does not give us good harvest. The plants also wither and die; it happens with ginger plants also. The impact depends on the situation; we cannot say that it has become better. Even though our paddy crop faces pest infestation, the department gives us pesticides but even then, it cannot eradicate the pests\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (Translated quote in English)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(Farmer, male, Buri Para village, Rongram block)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnother farmer from Mangudgre village shared similar views:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Chingo a.ba de donga, indiba dasio agangimin gita, mi name bite nange on.jaha. A.bao mi namgijani, bilsi gittam, bilsi bongarang gapaha.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (original quote in Garo language)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;We have Jhum fields also, but like I said earlier, we do not get good yield from rice. It has been long, about 3\u0026ndash;5 years since we got good rice harvest from our Jhum fields\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (Translated quote in English)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(Farmer, Mangdugre village, Dadenggre block)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to Garo community, deforestation and consequent declining land area under \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e cultivation, due to commercial plantations like betel nut and cashew nutwere further leading to reduced cultivation of indigenous paddy varieties. As one farmer shared- \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eSkangni somoirangode, songni nokni manderang burungko biap dale ripingrongachim, daororode, biap mananirang komijok maina chinga a.ba cha.aniba komijok. Chinga a.ba cha.aniko burung biap dalao dakgenchimode, a.arang a.sal ongbatachim aro mi misirangba bite manbatachim. Daororode, chinga bol wa.arangko den.e pale cha.aniko dakskaengaha, uni aselsa a.arang a.sal ong.ani komiaha. Skangode indakgipa pale sim.e cha.ani dongjachim\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; (original quote in Garo language)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eBack in the day, people used to conserve large areas of forests, now we have lesser area because we are practicing jhum cultivation less. If we practice Jhum cultivation on a large area of forests, soil fertility is better and hence, the yield of rice and millets is also better. Now we are trading bamboo and cutting down trees for commercial purposes, hence fertility has also gone down. There was no commercialization earlier\u003c/em\u003e\u0026ldquo; (Translated quote in English)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(Farmer, Mangdugre village, Dadenggre block)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe erratic rainfall and diminished \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land area under cultivation led to only a few community members cultivating paddy. This has led to lower contribution of home cultivated rice into routine rice consumption at home. Additionally, as shared by other respondents, the eroding traditional knowledge is leading to loss of local paddy seeds, which further makes it difficult for to the community to cultivate local paddy varieties. An elderly woman from one of the study villages shared-\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;Chinga da.ode skangni ge.a gamani dakbewalko jarikjaha, maina chinga da.ode began bariko dakskaengjok. Chingo da.ode, a.ba chana gitaba a.ba rangba dongjaha, chinga jakomsa mi bitchilko satoba, name bite nangna gita man.jaha.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/em\u003e (original quote in Garo language)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;We don\u0026rsquo;t follow any traditional methods anymore as we have now resorted to settled cultivation. We do not have shifting fields anymore to practice our traditional ways, even if we do sow a handful rice seeds, they do not yield us good crop now\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/em\u003e (Translated quote in English)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(Elderly woman, Rebugre village, Dadenggre block)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEconomic factors further contribute to this transition, since people from Garo tribe reported an increasing preference and shift towards wage labour under schemes like \u0026ldquo;MGNREGA,\u0026rdquo; which offers a quicker and more secure income than the intensive paddy cultivation process. This shift has in turn reduced household paddy production, leading to greater dependence on purchased rice. As a result, traditional agricultural practices that once sustained local food security are gradually being lost.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.5 Consumption of local rice varieties\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe findings from FFQ revealed that nearly all Garo households (94.7%) were mainly consuming non-indigenous rice varieties, with 90% consuming them daily. The \u003cem\u003eControl/Challan\u003c/em\u003e rice (any rice variety procured from market such as Champali/Ronjit/Basmati etc), merged as the most consumed non-indigenous rice across the households. On the other hand, indigenous rice varieties (mostly \u003cem\u003eAtte Pangra\u003c/em\u003e) were seen to be consumed in only 5% households (i.e. 9 out of 171 households).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency of rice consumption at household level among Garo tribal community of Meghalaya\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency of consumption\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003en (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndigenous rice varieties\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-indigenous rice varieties\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvery day (1\u0026ndash;3 times)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (5.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155 (90.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;6 days a week\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (1.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;4 days a week\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (1.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;2 days a week\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8 (4.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2 (1.2)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOnce in a fortnight\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13 (7.6)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1 (0.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOnce in a month\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e141 (82.5)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9 (5.3)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e1\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003eMinil Mi, Mi Kishore,Mima Burung, Mi Jowai,Mi Dambak/Mi Damdil/Mi Ja.Wek, Mi Musuri,Mi Jaya,Mrong Mi/ Morong Mi,Malbok Mi, Kotchi/Kotchu Mi/Kotchu Gisim Mi, Mima Midikkil, Kotchi/Kotchu Mi/Kotchu Gisim Mi, Pok Mi, Mi Jengim, Mima Guri / Gurung, Mi Chagring, Kala Jheera,,Mima Raka;\u003c/em\u003e \u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003eMima Gisim, Pori Mol/Arham, Mi Jaha, Ari Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003csup\u003e\u003cem\u003e2\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003eControl/Challan, Pori Mol/Arham, Mi Jaha, Ari Mi, Ringon Mi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study systematically documents the local rice varieties of Garo (\u003cem\u003eAm\u0026rsquo;beng\u003c/em\u003e) tribe of Meghalaya, India, with information on their cultivation systems, community preferences, nutritive values, consumption patterns and the factors affecting its cultivation. A total of 64 local rice varieties were enlisted reflecting high agro-biodiversity, covering over 60% indigenous varieties linked to both \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e land and lowland cultivation systems. However, only a fraction of these varieties was reportedly commonly consumed. The reasons cited for poor consumption included unavailability of grain, poor taste, declining paddy cultivation, attributable to erratic rainfall pattern, reduced soil fertility and poor yield. Findings from FFQ further revealed predominant consumption of non-indigenous rice varieties in nearly all surveyed households.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the documented nutritive values in the secondary literatures and laboratory analyses from NABL certified lab, traditional rice varieties of the Garo community are rich in both macronutrients (protein and dietary fibre) and micronutrients (iron and zinc) compared to the conventional rice varieties commonly consumed in India [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies from North-east India on traditional rice varieties have demonstrated similar findings. Traditional rice landraces from Garo Hills region of Meghalaya, have been found to contain higher content of dietary fibre and lower phytate levels than conventional rice varieties consumed across India, thus highlighting their superior nutrient profile and potential to improve mineral bioavailability in Indian diets [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]. Another study on local rice varieties of Assam indicated higher levels of protein, zinc and calcium in brown rice and minimally milled rice varieties [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies from other tribal-dominated belts of India have also documented higher nutritional values in traditional rice varieties. For instance, the traditional rice landraces of southern Odisha have been found to have higher content of dietary fibre and micronutrient levels (like iron, calcium, zinc, niacin) and low phytate levels than popular rice varieties [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. Comprehensive scientific reviews have further highlighted the nutritional and therapeutic value of traditional rice landraces in terms of their superior amino acid profile, low glycaemic index and high content of resistant starch and dietary fibre, thus being vital for improving gut health and alleviating malnutrition [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. In terms of stress resistance and resilience, indigenous varieties have been tapped for rice-pre breeding programs that attempt to use wild/untapped genetic resources and elite cultivars, for introducing desirable traits. As an example, researchers in Orissa have been testing and characterising drought and abiotic stress resistance features in indigenous rice landraces to conserve and harness them in breeding programs [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMany traditional rice varieties of Garos have distinctive traits such as grain pigmentation (red, black, and white rice) and a sticky texture. Pigmented rice varieties are rich in bioactive compounds like anthoxanthins and anthocyanins, which provide strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties compared to non-pigmented rice varieties [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. The \u003cem\u003eMinil\u003c/em\u003e, or sticky rice varieties of the Garos, are characterized by short, opaque grains with very low amylose content, resulting in their characteristic stickiness after cooking. These sticky rice types hold immense cultural significance and are used for preparing various traditional dishes and beverages like \u003cem\u003ePitta\u003c/em\u003e (steamed rice cake), \u003cem\u003eSakkin\u003c/em\u003e (sweet preparation), and \u003cem\u003eMe.bitchi\u003c/em\u003e (rice beer) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. Additionally, these traditional rice varieties are recognized for their therapeutic potential and high dietary fiber content [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e] Extracts from some black rice varieties in countries like Thailand have been shown to reduce endothelial dysfunction and inflammation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] while those from others have shown impact cognitive function in Male wistar rats weighing 180\u0026ndash;220 gm and 10\u0026ndash;14 weeks via effects on their oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory markers [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHowever, external factors like climate change, land use and poor soil fertility have resulted in declining paddy production, especially the indigenous varieties cultivated in \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e lands. The impact of climate change on agricultural practices among smallholder farmers from other tribal communities of India is well documented [\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR31 CR32 CR33\" citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies from Meghalaya have also documented the increasing impact of climate change on paddy cultivation, with erratic rainfall and rising temperatures directly impacting the sowing and harvesting season of paddy [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]. Additionally, existing literature from Meghalaya highlights the impact of irregular distribution of rainfall, leading to extreme weather events like seasonal floods and drought, thus negatively affecting paddy growth, yield and quality [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]. According to Wahlang et al., 2025, local farmers\u0026rsquo; dependence on rain-fed agriculture, combined with shifting cultivation practices, has further exacerbated soil erosion and degradation, intensifying the negative impacts of climate change [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]. At the same time, the agricultural landscape in West Garo Hills has been undergoing transformation, with farmers shifting to commercial, plantation crops like betel nut, cashew nut and emerging rubber cultivation for higher economic returns to improve their standard of living [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]. The cash-crop production has not only increased the opportunity cost of shifting cultivation practices, but has also enhanced monocropping, affecting the ecological sustainability and food security, both in the long and short run [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThese challenges highlight the need for providing institutional support and resources to local Garo farmers, focusing on sustainable agricultural methods and climate resilient technologies. The KVK in West Garo Hills district, the nodal KVK in our study region, has been actively engaged in addressing these challenges through training sessions and workshops for farmers on sustainable cultivation practices, to improve paddy production while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts through climate resilient agriculture [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. The provision of adequate agricultural technologies and resources, supplemented with awareness generation on effective sowing practices, will help bridge the existing paddy yield gap in Meghalaya [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]. The Meghalaya State Rice Mission (MSRM) consists of an integrated set of programmes aimed at narrowing the gap between rice production and consumption by doubling the production of rice in the state [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e]. Since topography, soil health, and cultivation patterns affect rice production mechanisms in West Garo Hills, geospatial technology could be used for planning rice expansion strategies through identification of blocks and villages with high production potential, for specific interventions under MSRM and other agricultural programmes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e]. The International Rice Research Institute and India\u0026rsquo;s National Agricultural Research and Extension System have deployed 31 new rice varieties, tailored for different ecosystems with significant advantages over traditional varieties. These advantages include higher yields under drought or flooding stress, improved water-use efficiency, and traits like herbicide tolerance [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]. The improved varieties also include biofortified varieties with enhanced micronutrient content, such as higher zinc levels, which support both productivity and nutritional security goals [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs Meghalaya is one of the four biodiversity hotspots in India, it represents a critically important region for biodiversity conservation due to its unique habitats and diverse traditional food systems, rooted in traditional ecological knowledge and practices [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. The rich biodiversity of Meghalaya forms the backbone of the traditional food systems of local tribal communities, including the Garos, and is reflected in their numerous local rice varieties cultivated across \u003cem\u003eJhum\u003c/em\u003e and low-lying land cultivation systems. These traditional rice varieties, selected and conserved over generations, are closely linked to local food preferences and cultural practices. The Indigenous (tribal) smallholders and their allies form the foundation of important agroecological pathways for agricultural innovation and sustainability, grounded in saving and sharing of diverse local varieties, Thus, there is a strong need for systematic scientific documentation of traditional ecological knowledge associated with rice cultivation and varietal diversity to ensure its sustenance and intergenerational preservation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe current study documents traditional rice varieties of Garos for conserving agrobiodiversity and safeguarding traditional ecological knowledge embedded in their traditional food system. These rice landraces, developed and maintained over generations, are now losing precedence, due to climate change and the growing shift towards commercially oriented agriculture. This study corroborates that indigenous rice varieties of Garos are nutrient-rich and could provide valuable traits for breeding programs focused on improving nutritional quality of rice. Since most tribal communities, especially in North-east India, consume rice as their staple food, propagation of the traditional rice landraces could be leveraged to address the rampant hidden hunger in these populations. By scientifically documenting these varieties, the study contributes to preventing genetic erosion and provides an important resource for future crop improvement, as well as food and nutritional security, among the Garo community of Meghalaya.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the survey participants for sharing their valuable information with us. we would also appreciate the contribution of Sumit Sutradhar for his technical support in extracting rice gene pool data from ICAR-NBPGR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources) database.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors contribution statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSP: Conceptualization, investigation, formal analysis, visualization, methodology, writing \u0026ndash; original draft preparation, overall formatting, revision; RK: Introduction, investigation, formal analysis writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing, referencing, supervision; RS: Investigation, formal analysis, writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing; AS: Introduction, writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing, discussion, TKD: Technical inputs ; SGJ: Resources, discussion, supervision, writing \u0026ndash; review \u0026amp; editing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research work was conducted under the larger study funded by DBT Wellcome Trust India Alliance (IA/TSG/21/1/600230).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClinical trial number\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics statement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research was conducted in full compliance with the research guidelines laid down in Declaration of Helsinki and all procedures involving humans in this study were approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee at The George Institute for Global Health India, New Delhi (20/2022). All necessary permissions and approvals for the data collection were obtained from the relevant authorities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipation in this study was entirely voluntary. A participant information sheet was distributed with all the participants and informed consents were obtained. All the identifiable records about participants remains confidential.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to publish\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable (the study team took informed consent to participate with other information provided on data protection etc. however we did not take consent to publish).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u0026rsquo; policy\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDual publication declaration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe results/data/figures in this manuscript have not been published elsewhere, nor are they under consideration by another publisher.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLongvah T, Vooradi Sathya Sai P, Rajendran A, Kharkhonger GC, Rangad C. 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Hub News. 2025 [cited 2026 Jan 13]. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://hubnetwork.in/rooted-in-resilience-how-meghalayas-indigenous-food-systems-set-a-global-example/\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"https://hubnetwork.in/rooted-in-resilience-how-meghalayas-indigenous-food-systems-set-a-global-example/\" targettype=\"URL\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e. Accessed 13 Jan 2026.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Footnotes","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Targeted public distribution system is an Indian food security scheme under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. This scheme includes distribution of major food commodities including staple food grains, such as wheat and/or rice, sugar and kerosene oil (a fuel used for cooking) through a network of public distribution shops (also known as ration shops) at subsidized prices.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-food","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"discoverfood","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Food](https://www.springer.com/44187)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Discover Food","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Indigenous rice variety, Garo tribe, Crop diversity, Nutritive value, Nutritional security, Dietary pattern","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8966968/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8966968/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eRice is the major staple for half of the world\u0026rsquo;s population. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted among Garo communities of Meghalaya in 14 villages of Rongram and Dadenggre, Meghalaya. The Garos are one of the main tribal groups in Meghalaya, who largely practice Jhum and shifting cultivation. The study aimed to document local rice varieties and characterize them in terms of identification, profiling, test weight, nutritional value, community preference and consumption. It also explored barriers and facilitators related to the production and consumption of these varieties. Nutritive values for commonly consumed rice types were compiled from secondary literature and confirmed through nutritional analysis in a NABL-certified laboratory.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study identified 64 rice varieties, of which most were indigenous (64%) and grown in plains or lowlands (59%). Among the stated 41 local varieties, only 10 (24%) were commonly consumed, while 18 (44%) were rarely and 13 (32%) were no longer consumed. High dietary fibre and iron content were seen in 2 of the 11 varieties profiled for nutritional composition. \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eAtte pangra\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo; was the most commonly consumed, whereas \u003cem\u003eMi Dambak/Mi Damdil/ Mi Ja.wek, Malbok Mi\u003c/em\u003e and Kotchi/ \u003cem\u003eKotchu Mi/ Kotchu Gisim Mi\u003c/em\u003e were most preferred for taste and aroma. The Food Frequency Questionnaire data (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;171) indicated that households predominantly consumed non-indigenous rice varieties. Erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility and low yield were key constraints reported that prevented the cultivation of local varieties. The findings highlight the need to support farmers with appropriate institutional mechanisms and resources to conserve traditional knowledge and promote nutritionally rich indigenous rice varieties.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Characterizing the local rice varieties to preserve traditional ecological knowledge and promote improved agricultural practices in West Garo Hills Meghalaya India","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-03-19 22:02:09","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8966968/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-05-03T01:47:59+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"194213775150031348785255536890235310424","date":"2026-04-20T06:08:41+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"20727837595368188746616264937609597905","date":"2026-04-19T16:11:49+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"286022646996301764087609905068488105189","date":"2026-04-19T03:01:40+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-05T03:10:00+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"295050738807453727218201821372781773886","date":"2026-03-23T02:10:48+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"134267247001121665913354875026138375960","date":"2026-03-22T16:47:38+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"86539428922448132014008424184773928038","date":"2026-03-19T11:16:48+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-03-17T15:01:18+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-03-09T06:44:29+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-03-05T11:43:09+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Discover Food","date":"2026-03-05T07:56:56+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-food","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"discoverfood","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Food](https://www.springer.com/44187)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Discover Food","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"a6ce0c9e-325c-4165-b95f-5b913373607f","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 19th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-05-03T01:47:59+00:00","index":63,"fulltext":""}],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-19T22:02:09+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-03-19 22:02:09","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8966968","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8966968","identity":"rs-8966968","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}