CURRENT AFFAIRS

About Mushk Budiji Rice | Ias Banenge

Context:

Recently, scientists at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Srinagar, reported that altitude and temperature play an important role in the development of mushk budiji rice.

Relevance:

GS II: Government policies and Interventions

READ MORE – Analysing The India Employment Report 2024

About Mushk Budiji Rice

Origin and Cultivation:

  • Mushk Budiji Rice is an indigenous aromatic rice variety cultivated in the Highland Himalayas.
  • Typically grown at altitudes between 5000 to 7000 ft above mean sea level, it thrives in the higher reaches of the Kashmir valley.

Physical Characteristics:

  • This rice variety is short, bold, and possesses a distinct aromatic quality.
  • When cooked, it offers a unique blend of taste, aroma, and rich organoleptic properties.

Cultivation Regions:

  • Predominantly cultivated in specific areas such as Sagam, Panzgam, and Soaf Shali in Anantnag district, and the Beerwah belt in Budgam district.

Traditional Consumption:

  • While once widely consumed, the consumption of aromatic rice like Mushk Budiji in Kashmir has become limited to special occasions, weddings, and festivals.

Recognition:

  • It has been accorded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, highlighting its unique regional identity.

Highlights of the Study

Flavor Profile Analysis:

  • Scientists employed gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and an ‘electronic nose’ to study the flavor profile of the rice from selected locations.

Findings:

  • The study revealed 35 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in rice samples.
  • Aldehydes (compounds with the -CH=O functional group) were found to range from 6.33% to 29.09%, while alcohols (-OH) ranged from 0.47% to 30.34%.
  • Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), a known aromatic compound, was detected only in Mushk Budiji samples from higher altitudes, especially in Budgam and Kupwara districts.

What is Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy?

Definition:

  • Chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) is an analytical technique employed to identify and quantify volatile compounds present in organic mixtures.

Applications:

  • This method finds applications in analyzing compounds extracted from geological, environmental, and biological samples, aiding in detailed chemical profiling and characterization.

SOURCE-The Hindu


One thought on “About Mushk Budiji Rice | Ias Banenge

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *