Traditional Rice
The rice cultivation has a long and parallel relationship with the country’s history and culture and Sri Lankan has practised an agriculture-based lifestyle for the past 3 millennia. According to the evidence collected through written history and archaeology, rice cultivation of the island goes back to the period of 900-600 BC.
Ma Wee (මා වී)
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.
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Sudu HeenetiA small white heirloom rice variety, Sudu Heeneti is highly nutritious, rich in antioxidants, and ideal for traditional Sri Lankan medicinal diets. It has a soft texture and mild, earthy flavor.
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DahanalaDahanala is a rare, nutrient-dense traditional rice with a reddish hue. It is favored for its high fiber content and mild, sweet taste, making it perfect for porridge and healthy meals.
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Dik WeeDik Wee is a medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 150 cm. This crop can be harvested within 4 to 4½ months from seeding.
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Kalu HeenetiThis 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 120 cm.
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Ma WeeMa 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 350 cm.
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PokkaliPokkali is a popular red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The culm of plant is about 130 cm in height and bears about 10 tillers per plant. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding.
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PachchaperumalPachchaperumal is a very popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 120 cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding. At the stage of ripening the plant stem becomes light bluish in color.
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MadathawaluMadathawalu is a very popular short-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 130 cm. This crop can be harvested within 4 months from seeding.
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GonabaruGonabaru is a popular medium-grain rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 140 cm. This crop can be harvested within 5 months from seeding.
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Goda HeenetiGodaheeneti is a popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka, which belongs to the heeneti type. The plant develops to a maximum height of 160 cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding.
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Rath SuwandalRathsuwandal is a popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 120 cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding.