Promotion of Chilika Red Rice Linked to Wetland Conservation and Food Security
On the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2026, attention has been drawn towards the importance of promoting Chilika red rice, an indigenous flood-tolerant rice variety cultivated around the wetlands of Chilika Lake in Odisha. The initiative is being viewed as an important step towards strengthening food security, livelihood resilience, wetland conservation and preservation of traditional ecological knowledge.The discussion gains significance because the theme of World Wetlands Day 2026 is “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.”
The indigenous rice variety, locally known as Bankia or Bankei, is cultivated in the wetlands surrounding Chilika Lake. The crop is grown mainly along water channels connecting villages with the open lake system.The rice possesses several unique ecological characteristics:
The cultivation system represents a traditional example of climate-resilient agriculture adapted to wetland ecosystems.Farmers such as Haramohan Samantari and Bheema Swain from Mangalajodi village continue to cultivate this indigenous variety using traditional methods despite low commercial returns.
The cultivation of Bankia contributes significantly to wetland biodiversity.The tall flood-resistant paddy fields provide habitat for:
The wetland ecosystem also supports the Fishing Cat, declared the ambassador of Chilika Lake in 2020. The flood-tolerant rice fields provide seasonal habitat to the species, reflecting the close ecological linkage between traditional agriculture and wildlife conservation.
The rice variety is nutritionally rich and has potential for niche urban markets.Key nutritional features include:
Environmental groups and conservation organisations are attempting to popularise the rice in urban centres to improve farmer income and incentivise wetland-friendly agricultural practices.
Despite Chilika being India’s first Ramsar Site, experts have warned about rapid degradation of its wetland ecosystem.According to environmentalists:
Aquaculture farms are also contributing to:
This transformation threatens both ecological sustainability and traditional livelihood systems.
The article highlights that wetlands contribute significantly to local food systems beyond fisheries.Local communities collect and consume several wetland plants such as:
| Local Name | Scientific Name | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Madaranga | Alternanthera sessilis | Leafy vegetable |
| Kalama | Ipomoea aquatica | Vegetable |
| Kumudini | Nymphoides indica | Food source |
| Jhechu | Aponogeton natans | Seeds and shoots consumed |
A 2020 study identified 25 macrophyte species used by local communities for:
Additionally, studies recorded 69 tree species in the Chilika ecosystem providing fruits and ecological services.The case demonstrates how healthy wetlands directly support:
The theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage” recognises the role of indigenous practices in sustainable wetland management.Traditional systems like Bankia rice cultivation represent:
The theme encourages conservation approaches that combine scientific management with local ecological knowledge.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Odisha |
| Importance | India’s first Ramsar Site |
| Ecosystem Type | Brackish water lagoon and wetland ecosystem |
| Biodiversity Importance | Habitat for fish, birds and wetland species |
| Conservation Symbol | Fishing Cat declared ambassador in 2020 |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | International recognition for wetlands of global importance |
| Focus | Conservation and sustainable use of wetlands |
| India’s First Ramsar Site | Chilika Lake |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | 2 February 2026 |
| Theme | “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage” |
| Organisation | Details |
|---|---|
| Human & Environment Alliance League (HEAL) | Kolkata-based non-profit promoting Bankia rice |
| Fishing Cat Project | Organisation working for wetland and fishing cat conservation |
| Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) | Delhi-based think tank focusing on environmental issues |
Updated – 02 February 2026 ; 03:19 PM |Down To Earth News Source