Current Summary
A study by the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board has found that the area under traditional Dehradun Basmati rice fell by about 61.5 percent between 2018 and 2022, from 410.1 hectares farmed by 680 growers to 157.8 hectares farmed by 517 growers. By the 2026 season, cultivation had dropped further to just 75 hectares involving 160 farmers. The rice, known as Type-3 Dehradun Basmati, is prized for its fragrance, long slender grains and non-sticky texture, and has been grown in the Doon Valley for generations, used in everyday meals as well as weddings and festive dishes such as pulao and biryani. Raipur, once a major centre for the crop, now has only a handful of growers remaining, as the city's paddy fields are increasingly replaced by housing colonies and concrete development.
What We Know
- Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board data shows cultivation area fell from 410.1 hectares (680 farmers) in 2018 to 157.8 hectares (517 farmers) in 2022, a 61.5 percent drop.
- By the 2026 season, reported cultivation had fallen further to 75 hectares involving 160 farmers.
- Raipur, once a major cultivation centre, now has only a handful of growers left.
- The decline is attributed to Dehradun's expanding housing colonies and concrete development replacing paddy fields.
- The rice is a Type-3 variety with fine, non-waxy grains and a distinctive aroma, long used in everyday meals and festive dishes.
What Is Still Unclear
- No specific government revival or protection scheme for Dehradun Basmati is detailed in available reporting.
What Changed
- 26 Oct, 03:01 pmSignal detected: Dehradun Basmati Cultivation Falls 61 Percent in Four Years as City Expands
Background
Dehradun Basmati has been cultivated in the Doon Valley for generations, valued for its fragrance and texture, and is considered part of the valley's cultural identity.