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Agriculture
Assam's Shift to Hybrid Rice Seeds Sparks Concern Over Vanishing Indigenous Varieties
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 13 Nov 2026, 12:32 PM
👁 11
In Assam, the growing adoption of hybrid rice seeds is raising alarms about the decline of native rice varieties, threatening biodiversity and local farming traditions. Farmers and experts warn that the shift could erode the region's agricultural heritage.
The trend of planting hybrid rice seeds has been on the rise across Assam, prompting concerns among agricultural stakeholders about the potential loss of indigenous rice varieties.
Hybrid varieties are known for higher yields, but their widespread use may displace traditional strains that have been cultivated for generations.
Experts argue that the decline of native varieties could reduce genetic diversity, making crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases and climate change.
Local agricultural authorities are monitoring the situation and encouraging farmers to maintain a mix of hybrid and indigenous seeds to safeguard the region's agricultural heritage.
Hybrid varieties are known for higher yields, but their widespread use may displace traditional strains that have been cultivated for generations.
Experts argue that the decline of native varieties could reduce genetic diversity, making crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases and climate change.
Local agricultural authorities are monitoring the situation and encouraging farmers to maintain a mix of hybrid and indigenous seeds to safeguard the region's agricultural heritage.