Rice is a staple food for a large part of the world’s population and that’s why rice is considered as fundamental to global food security.  In India Rice/Paddy cultivation provides employment, a major source of earning for millions of people.

In our ancient history, we find references regarding the importance of rice from the point of view of Ayurveda  in ‘Samhitas’  by Charaka (c.700 BC) and ‘Susruta’ by Krishnamurti (600-400BC). 

          ‘Susruta’  mentioned mainly three types of Rice as :

1. Shavak Varieties (Barley type of Rice) –   Lohitaka (Red Husk), Kardamaka (Grown in Slimy Soil), Panduka(Yellowish), Sugandhaka (Fragrant), Shakunarhita (Curved), Pushpandaka (Resembling Ovary of Flower), Pundarika (White), oMahashali (Large and Fragrant), Shitabhiruka (Cold Sensitive), Rodhrapushpaka (Red), Dirghashuka (Long Awned), Kanchanaka (Golden Husk), Mahishamastaka (resembling Buffalo Head.
2. Shastika Varieties  :  It takes 60 days.  The main type of this variety of rice are Pramodaka(Fragrant), Mahashastika ( Large Seed ), Kedaraka ( which is taken on mountain), Pitaka ( Yellow ).
3. Vrihi Varieties  :  Krishnavrihi (Black Rice), Jatumukha (Freckled), Nandimukha ( Bullock Face ), Lavakshaka (Curved Grain), Twaritaka (it matures early), Kukkutandaka (Oval), Patal (Red).

Now a days the Rice Varieties are mainly categorized as

1. Long Grain
2. Medium Grain
3. Short Grain

Now lets see it in Tabular Format  :

Here are some of the varieties which have fragrance are cultivated in Maharashtra specifically in Kolhapur, Konkan and Goa.

1. Ambemohar (Fragrance is just like Mango blossom)
2. Indrayani
3. Krishnasal
4. Hawla

Mriga Farm Rice Varieties  :

1. Jasmine Rice ( Nice floral aroma – Long Grain Rice )
2. Jaya Rice ( Long Grain Rice )
3. Ambemohar (Fragrance is just like Mango blossom)
4. Indrayani (Medium Grain )
5. Krishnasal (Long Grain – Less Starch and lower glycemic index)
6. Red Rice (Long Grain, Non Sticky)
7. Kali Much (Not Aromatic – Good for daily consumption and for pulav)
8. Sona Masoori Rice – it’s a hybrid variety of Sona and Masoori Rice.  It’s a medium grain variety rice.  Excellent quality of rice for export.
9. Mogra Rice – Excellent rice option for Khichadi – Long Grain Variety – Good replacement for Basmati.
10. RNR Rice – Very good for Diabetics.  It has 50% fewer carbohydrates than regular rice.