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:

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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

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