Harnessing and utilizing Himalayan Nepalese speciality rice for food and nutritional security

Abstract This review synthesizes six decades of research on native Himalayan rice (NHR) (Oryza sativa) – encompassing cold-tolerant high-altitude landraces, drought-tolerant upland rice, Basmati, aromatic and glutinous varieties. The aims of the review were to assess NHR diversity and richness, analyze genetic erosion, evaluate their roles in farming systems and value chains, identify research gaps and explore opportunities for improvement and commercialization. We discuss genetic erosion, their adaptive traits and commercial potential. Drawing on three major national assessments (1970s, 1990s and 2015), a comparative analysis revealed an alarming rate of genetic erosion: in 2015, only 10% of those recorded in the 1990s were found, and only 6% of the landraces were reported in the 1970s. Over 93% of existing NHR landraces are classified as endangered or critically endangered, with relatively lower erosion among Basmati (73%) and speciality types (81%). Molecular studies indicated high genetic diversity determined by altitude, farming systems and culinary traditions. A few coarse-grained aerobic upland rice landraces were found to have aroma. Nepal’s speciality rice, cultivated under chemical-free management in ecologically pristine environments irrigated by Himalayan rivers and snow melt, possesses significant potential for domestic and export markets. However, inadequate nutritional profiling, absence of geographical indication frameworks, fragmented seed systems and weak value chains constrain commercialization. The review identifies priority areas for research, including targeted genomic mapping, rigorous nutritional profiling, true-to-type seed systems and strengthened value chains, all of which can contribute to conserving this important genetic resource through utilizing diversity in breeding and commercialization.