In News:

Kashmir’s indigenous aromatic rice variety ‘MushkBudji’, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag on 31 July 2023, is facing a “problem of plenty”. Farmers report that government-led expansion of its cultivation into areas considered unsuitable for the variety has increased production and affected market prices.

About MushkBudji:

• MushkBudji is a highly aromatic, short-grain rice variety native to Kashmir.
• It is traditionally cultivated in the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley, particularly in the Highland Himalayas, at an altitude of around 5,000–7,000 feet above mean sea level.
• The variety has cultural significance and is commonly consumed during special occasions and festivals.
• The rice is characterised by its light ivory colour and slightly translucent appearance. After cooking, the grains remain slightly sticky and chewy, with a distinctive fragrance and delicate nutty flavour. It contains carbohydrates, dietary fibre and some B-vitamins and is relatively low in fat.

Key Issue – Expansion into unsuitable areas:

MushkBudji is adapted to particular altitudinal and agro-climatic conditions. Farmers argue that expanding cultivation beyond its traditional suitable areas can reduce the quality associated with the variety while simultaneously increasing supply. This can lead to price depression, undermining the economic benefits that GI recognition is expected to provide to local producers.