The magic rice needs to be soaked in water and it swells like a charm. The rice cultivation is confined to tribal areas of Assam. The magic rice has 11.5 per cent of fibre in it.
A young and enthusiastic farmer, Garla Srikanth, of Sriramulapalli village in Illandakunta mandal of the district, has cultivated magic rice of Assam also known as Boka Saul in 500 square yards and harvested 20 kg of the magic rice, which does not warrant cooking.
The magic rice needs to be soaked in water and it swells like a charm. The rice cultivation is confined to tribal areas of Assam. The magic rice has 11.5 per cent of fibre in it.
Srikanth said that he cultivated the magic rice variety because of the nutritional value it has and the same was submitted to the agriculture department officials.
Srikanth, who studied up to Intermediate, is dependent on agriculture for livelihood. He is creating wonders in the field of farming with his choice of non-traditional varieties of rice. He is producing Navara and Mappille Samba variety for diabetics and Kala Bathi for those who suffer from infertility.
In addition to cultivating his own eight acres of land, he took 20 acres on lease and producing more than 100 varieties of paddy to the surprise of the agricultural scientists. He devoted six acres of land for seed production alone.
He practices the organic cultivation model of Palekarji. He applies cow dung, cow urine and other organic fertilisers prepared by him to his crops. He takes part in agricultural conventions wherever they are held to acquaint himself with modern agricultural practices.
His farm has become a must-visit for the agriculture students. Many B Sc agriculture students visit his field to gain knowledge.
District Collector K Shashanka, Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Jammikunta, Lions and Rotary Clubs of Warangal, Nabard officials, agricultural officials from AP felicitated him for his accomplishments.
He sells Navara variety of rice, grown mostly in Kerala, at the rate of Rs 120 and Mappille Samba variety at Rs 150-200 a kg as the crop tenure of the latter variety is almost equal to that of two crops of paddy. He is earning with both hands by selling seeds as well as paddy. He said that he has plans to increase the area under magic rice in the future. #KhabarLive #hydnews
