Njavara, a medicinal rice : an exploration of the changing production and consumption system

Abstract

Njavara is an ancient rice variety that has been cultivated in Kerala for its medicinal properties for over 2500 years. Over the last few decades, the Njavara rice chain has changed as new actors have entered the system, and there has been a change in consumption patterns. An understanding of these changes is essential in order to properly assess the value of this rice in economic, cultural, and biological terms. The various actors in the Njavara chain were interviewed and asked about the current system, how it has changed, and why it has changed from the traditional Njavara system. Rich picturing and analysis of the interviews using coding was used to answer the questions related to the changing Njavara chain. The results of this work show that Njavara production and consumption has changed in order to adapt to changing socio-political conditions. Njavara is now more easily available and widely used, though there are concerns regarding the authenticity of the rice on the market. But there is a declining trend of Njavara cultivation, which entails the loss of biological and cultural diversity associated with this unique rice. Preserving Njavara is valuable for the medicinal, economic, and economic value it provides for the people associated with this rice. An understanding of how this rice system has changed provides valuable lessons on for conservation that can also be applied to other crops elsewhere.