The Rising Nepal

By Gokarna Paudel, Tulsipur, June 12: At one time, various indigenous rice varieties such as Sunakehsra, Sanjira, Rimalwa, Dhunmune, Gaure, Gopal, Tilki, Simtharo and Anadi were widely cultivated in Dang. 

However, with the expansion of high-yield hybrid varieties, most of these indigenous rice varieties are now on the verge of disappearance. Only Tilki, Simtharo and Anadi are still cultivated in some areas of the district.

Eighty-seven-year-old farmer Durga Bahadur Khatri of Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan City–19 said that the increasing use of hybrid rice has led to the disappearance of many indigenous varieties.

“Many of the indigenous rice varieties I used to cultivate have already disappeared. Only Tilki and Simtharo are seen somewhere here. If we do not conserve them, these too will disappear,” he said. Khatri, who has been cultivating Tilki rice for nearly 65 years, said this variety does not require chemical fertilisers or pesticides. 

According to him, using chemical fertilisers increases plant growth but reduces grain yield. He added that Tilki and Simtharo rice yield about two and a half muris per kattha, whereas hybrid rice can yield up to four muris.

According to manager of Jaya Rapti Rice Mill located in Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan City–1 Chitra Bahadur Khadka, the price of Tilki rice reaches up to Rs. 16,000 per quintal, while hybrid rice is sold at around Rs. 5,400 per quintal.

Dilli Bahadur Rawat, chairperson of the Centre for Environmental Sustainable Development and Research, said that although the price of indigenous rice is more than three times higher than hybrid varieties, farmers are still attracted to hybrid farming due to lower production costs and higher yields.

He said the centre has been running a “seed exchange campaign for indigenous crops” for the past three years to conserve indigenous rice varieties. 

Under the campaign, farmers are provided seeds with the condition that they return an equal amount after harvest to the centre. 

So far, only two farmers have taken seeds for commercial cultivation of Simtharo rice, while others have taken limited quantities mainly for household consumption, he said.

Farmer Toyaram Basnet of Tulsipur–19 said he previously cultivated Tilki, Simtharo, Zhinuwa and Anadi rice, but switched to hybrid varieties due to increasing family needs. 

“Indigenous rice is tasty and of high quality, but low production makes it difficult to sustain a household,” he said. Ganyari Farmers’ Cooperative in Tulsipur–18 has started commercial production of indigenous rice, with an annual output of 55 to 60 muris.

Tilki rice is mainly used for special occasions and hospitality, while Anadi rice is popular among the Tharu community. Likewise, Simtharo rice is considered beneficial for health. 

Published Date: June 12, 2026