In a remarkable effort to preserve agricultural heritage, Goan farmer Vishwambhar Gawas has successfully cultivated Raktasal, an ancient and rare red rice variety with a history spanning nearly 3,000 years. The experimental farming took place on a trial plot in Maina-Navelim, where the crop has now reached its harvest stage.

The primary objective behind this trial is the conservation and propagation of rare traditional seeds, ensuring this historic grain does not vanish from local agriculture. According to Gawas, securing good market demand and fair prices for Raktasal rice could serve as a major catalyst for future farming practices in Goa. He believes that if local consumers embrace this nutrient-rich, traditional grain, it will inspire more Goan farmers to adopt heritage crop cultivation, helping boost local agricultural self-reliance and biodiversity across the state.