Category: Traditional Rice

Rathsuwandal is a popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 120cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding. The number of tillers per plant is 4 to 6 and relatively low. The potential yield is about 45 to 60 bushels per acre. It is resistant to the rice blast disease. Rathsuwandal is currently cultivated in both the dry and wet zone.Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of diabetes and oxidative stress. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Pokkali is a popular red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The culm of plant is about 130cm in height and bears about 10 tillers per plant. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding. It is tolerant to the presence of salinity in the soil. Pokkali is used as the parent in rice varietal improvement.The potential yield is about 60 to 80 bushels per acre. Currently it is cultivated along the South Western costal belt and is a staple crop in the Hambantota and Puttalam districts where soil salinity levels are high. Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of oxidative stress. Findings also indicate its ability to inhibit certain harmful bacteria. It is also found to be rich in proteins. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Pachchaperumal is a very popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka.The plant develops to a maximum height of 120cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding. At the stage of ripening the plant stem becomes light bluish in color. The potential yield is about 70 to 80 bushels per acre. The plant is highly susceptible to insect attack. Pachchaperumal is currently cultivated all parts of the country.Traditionally it is known to be used in treating diabetes. Value of this treatment is corroborated through scientific evidence. It is also commonly believed that consuming this rice helps cool the body and is beneficial for the treatment of wounds. Further, it is a rich source of proteins, and naturally occurring antioxidants. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Masuran is a popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 120cm and is resistant to lodging. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding during the Yala season and within 4½ months in the Maha season.The potential yield is about 80 bushels per acre. This plant is resistant to the rice blast disease and plays an important role in weed control as its leaves tend to turn downwards during maturity. Masuran is widely cultivated in the wet zone.Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases, cholesterol and oxidative stress. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Madathawalu is a very popular short-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 130cm. This crop can be harvested within 4 months from seeding. Madathawalu bears 20 to 30 tillers per plant and is considered as one of the highest yielding traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka. The potential yield is about 110 bushels per acre and is currently cultivated in all parts of Sri Lanka. This variety is reported to perform well as an organic crop.Traditionally it is believed to enhance the human immune system and is used in treating diabetes. Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of diabetes and oxidative stress. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Ma Wee is a red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The grain varies in size and shape from short and round varieties to long medium sized varieties. It is one of the tallest rice plants cultivated and develops to a maximum height of 350cm. This crop can be harvested within 5 to 6 months from seeding. It bares 15 to 20 tillers per plant and yields about 65 to 70 bushels per acre. Ma Wee is a photo period sensitive plant cultivated during the Maha season. It is widely cultivated in flood prone areas in the low country wet zone and intermediate zone. Traditionally it is believed that Ma Wee contains medicinal properties. It is used in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, tuberculosis and as an effective remedy for purging. Scientific studies have found evidence of high levels of protein and antioxidants. Further, it is a good source of iron and zinc.

This variety of rice is named Kalu Heeneti because of the color of its lemma and palea which turn blackish at maturity. It is traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka and produces a red medium sized grain.The plant develops to a maximum height of 120cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding. It bares 5 to 8 tillers per plant and the potential yield is about 30 to 50 bushels per acre. This crop performs well in the dry zone. Traditionally Kalu Heenati is used as a treatment for snake bite. Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of diabetes, cholesterol and hepatitis. Further, it is a rich source of iron & zinc. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Gonabaru is a popular medium-grain rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 140cm. This crop can be harvested within 5 months from seeding.The number of tillers per plant is 3 to 5, which is low compared to other traditional rice varieties. The potential yield is fairly good compared to similar varieties and varies from about 50 to 60 bushels per acre. It is cultivated in both the dry and wet zone.Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of diabetes and oxidative stress. Further, it’s a good source of zinc. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.