NJAVARA RICE (The medicinal rice)

NJAVARA RICE
(The medicinal rice)
The researchers are attempting to bring in genetic improvement in Njavara, the medicinal rice variety of the state. The Kerala Agricultural University had identified five genetically pure types of the rice variety. Thgey isolated long awned black, short awned black, awn less yellow, long awned brown and awnless brown types from over the 35 types farmed in the state. This awnless yellow was preferred by farmers as it conformed to the Njavara characteristics.
Njavara rice is extensively used in ayurveds for Therapeutic purposes, including Njavara kizhi. It is an important ingredient of Karkideka Kanji, the medicinal porridge consumed during the Malayalam month Karkidakam and natural health drink. The authentic rice is bing sold Rs400 a kg.

Prof John Kurakar