ABSTRACT
Rice is known as the grain of life, and is synonymous with food for Asians. In addition to being a staple food and an integral part of social rites, rituals, and festivals in all Asian countries, it has a medicinal value too, which was clearly recognized by the medicine systems of the region. The traditional paddy varieties possess the dual characteristics - drought and flood tolerant properties. One of the traditional paddy varieties called Karunkuruvai is used in the treatment of Filariasis. It is actively in use by Siddha physicians of Tamilnadu and a reference of it has also been made in an ancient Tamil Siddha medical text. Notification for traditional paddy variety seeds, awareness among consumers, brand for traditional paddy varieties are challenges faced under field condition. Traditional paddy varieties possess all characteristics to combat climate change factors and have good market potential compared to conventional paddy varieties.
