Recently, while reporting on farmer-owned enterprises, Mint India highlighted the revival of Kala Namak, an aromatic, short-grain rice also known as Buddha rice. Legend has it that Lord Buddha distributed seeds of this variety to his followers after attaining Nirvana. The rice is noted for its low glycaemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes, and contains roughly three times the protein of standard varieties. After being nearly lost due to the Green Revolution of the 1960s, which prioritized high-yield crops dependent on chemical inputs, Kala Namak has been reintroduced by retired agricultural scientists and is now cultivated by farmer groups drawn to its higher market prices, often exceeding ₹300 per kilogram in urban areas.
Mint India also emphasized the environmental significance of reviving such heirloom varieties. Rice is one of India’s most water-intensive crops and a major source of methane emissions, while excessive use of subsidized fertilizers like urea further degrades soil health. By promoting traditional varieties like Kala Namak, farmers can reduce chemical inputs and mitigate environmental harm while providing more nutritious options to consumers.
This revival comes as India faces shifting seasonal patterns due to climate change, with 2025 ranking as the eighth warmest year since 1901 despite La Niña conditions. Cities like Mumbai and regions in the National Capital Region have recorded temperatures far above seasonal averages, intensifying heatwave risks and threatening agriculture and public health. Experts warn that with warming oceans and erratic rainfall, sustainable farming practices and demand-driven cultivation of resilient crops such as Kala Namak will be critical for balancing nutrition, economics, and environmental stewardship.
