Landraces – UPSC Prelims

Landraces refer to naturally occurring variants of commonly cultivated crops.

These are different from commercially grown crops, which are developed by selective breeding (hybrids) or through genetic engineering to express a certain trait over others.

Naturally occurring landraces still have a large pool of still untapped genetic material, which can provide solutions to climate change induced biotic and abiotic stress factors.

With proper agricultural practices, landraces can give better yield with lower input costs.

Landraces are richer in nutrients than commercially grown variants.