Contribution of leading institutions in the development of improved rice varieties in India: The key to success for farmers

Indian farmers, who work hard in the fields throughout the year, can now make their farming even better through the new improved rice varieties in India. The information given here is not just about farming, but about those farmers who try to do something new in their every crop. Leading institutions of the country have taken such steps, through which new varieties of rice not only improve the yield, but also help farmers to deal with the challenges of changing climate and farming.

These improved varieties of rice are a boon for farmers, which give them an opportunity to earn more profits even amidst challenges like floods, droughts, and pests. Here we will talk about the contribution of those institutions, which are developing new and useful varieties of rice for the welfare of farmers, so that the farmers of India not only become self-reliant, but can also touch new heights in agriculture.

The contribution of leading institutions in the development of rice varieties in India is important.

1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) plays an important role in the development of new and improved varieties. The aim of this institute is to develop rice varieties that are useful for farmers in the changing agricultural scenario of the country. Several research programs are run at IARI for the development of rice varieties. Scientists use hybridization, biotechnology, and gene editing techniques to develop new varieties of rice.

IARI has developed several major rice varieties, such as Pusa Basmati, which is very popular not only in the domestic but also in the international market. The long, thin grain variety of Pusa Basmati is known for its aroma and quality all over the world. IARI makes farmers aware of advanced farming methods through farmer fairs, workshops and training programs.

2. Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI)

The Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, is a major centre for rice research in India. This institute works specifically on the development of new varieties of rice and solutions related to production. CRRI develops special rice varieties for different climatic conditions in different parts of the country. For example, a variety like Swarna Sub-1 has been developed for flood-affected areas. This variety survives and produces even after being submerged in water for 14-17 days, so that flood-affected farmers can save their yield by adopting it.

CRRI has also developed many disease-resistant varieties, with which farmers can protect their crops from insects and diseases even without pesticides. For example, IR64 is a variety that is able to fight diseases and pests. New varieties developed by CRRI are first subjected to extensive trials. These trials are conducted in different agro-climatic zones to check the stability and performance of the new varieties. After successful trials, these varieties are certified and then distributed among farmers.

3. State Agricultural Universities

State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) of India also play an important role in the development of rice varieties. These universities develop rice varieties according to regional requirements to address local agricultural problems in every state. Every state has different climate, soil, and water availability.

Therefore, state agricultural universities pay special attention to varieties that can be grown in the prevailing conditions of their state. For example, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has developed drought-tolerant varieties that can produce even in drought conditions. State agricultural universities work with local farmers to distribute improved seeds, conduct training, and workshops. They teach farmers how to grow new varieties, how to care for them, and how to market them.

4. Other Government and Private Institutions

Apart from this, many other government and private institutions in India also contribute to the development of rice varieties. These include Seed Corporation of India (NSC), National Institute of Biotechnology (NABI) and many private seed companies, which help in the development and dissemination of improved varieties.

• NSC and Private Companies: NSC and private seed companies produce and distribute improved seeds, making improved varieties widely available to farmers. These institutions ensure that farmers use high quality certified seeds, which can increase their production. 

5. Role of Government in Rice Varieties Development

The Government of India also plays a major role in rice variety development. Government agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) provide financial assistance for research and development projects.

• Financial assistance: The government provides financial assistance to encourage scientific research and development of new technologies. This enables research institutes and universities to procure the necessary equipment, technology, and expertise for developing new varieties.

• Agricultural schemes and subsidies: The government encourages farmers to adopt new varieties by providing seed subsidies, training programs, and other agricultural schemes to enable farmers to easily access improved seeds.

Advice for farmers on rice variety development

Rice cultivation is a major activity in India, and new and improved rice varieties provide opportunities for farmers to improve production, reduce costs, and earn better profits. However, selection of the right variety, proper use of government schemes, and use of high-quality seeds are extremely important for successful farming. Let us discuss these important points in detail so that farmers can reap maximum benefits from their farms.

1. Selecting the right variety

The first and foremost step for a farmer is to select the right rice variety according to his regional conditions. Different regions in India have different climates, soil structure and water availability. Hence, it is essential that farmers select varieties that suit their particular conditions. Here are some key points that farmers should keep in mind while selecting a variety:

• Drought-tolerant varieties: If the farmer’s area is drought-prone, he should select varieties that can produce well even with less water. For example, drought-tolerant varieties like IR64 and BTER-1 are suitable for areas where water is scarce or irrigation facilities are limited.

• Flood-tolerant varieties:

If the farmer’s area is flood-prone, flood-tolerant varieties like Swarna Sub-1 will be good. This variety survives and produces even after being submerged in water for a long time. This variety is very beneficial for farmers in flood-prone areas.

• Disease-resistant varieties: In areas where there is a high incidence of pests and diseases, farmers should grow disease-resistant varieties. For example, a variety like IR64 is resistant against blast disease and brown plant hopper. This reduces the cost of pesticides for farmers and keeps their crops safe.

2. Benefits of government assistance

The Government of India provides many schemes and assistance to help farmers, especially for the development and adoption of new and improved varieties. Farmers can improve their farming by taking advantage of these schemes. Here is information about some major government schemes and resources:

• Agriculture Department and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK): Farmers are advised to contact the Agriculture Department or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of their area. Here they will get information from experts about which variety is best suited for their area and which varieties have come under new research. KVK also provides training to farmers so that they can use new techniques and varieties properly.

• Government seed subsidy schemes:

Many state and central governments provide subsidy for buying seeds so that farmers can use improved and certified seeds. These seed subsidy schemes provide high quality seeds to farmers at affordable rates. This reduces the cost of farmers and they can improve their crop.

• Crop insurance scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) run by the government provides protection to farmers against losses caused by natural disasters. If farmers lose their crops due to floods, drought or other reasons, they get compensation, which can help them remain financially secure.

3. Pay attention to the quality of seeds

It is very important for farmers to ensure that they use only high quality and certified seeds for their crop. The quality of seeds has a direct impact on the production and quality of the crop. Here are some tips that will help farmers pay attention to the quality of seeds:

• Use certified seeds:

Certified seeds are seeds that are grown and tested by government-recognized seed corporations or seed producers. These seeds are tested for production, quality and disease resistance. Using certified seeds helps farmers get healthy and improved seedlings, which give good yields.

• Be careful while buying seeds: While buying seeds, farmers should ensure that they buy seeds from a reliable source. Buying seeds from an unknown or informal seller is likely to result in bad seeds, which can have a bad effect on the crop. Farmers can get seeds from their local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or National Seed Corporation (NSC).

• Seed treatment: It is important to do seed treatment before sowing seeds. Seed treatment can protect seeds from pests and diseases. For this, farmers should take advice from agricultural scientists or agricultural experts and use appropriate chemicals or biological treatments. This will improve seed germination and the plant will become stronger. 

4. Adopt crop rotation and diversification

Growing the same variety for several consecutive years can deteriorate the quality of the soil and increase the incidence of pests and diseases. Therefore, farmers should adopt crop rotation and diversification.

• Crop rotation: Adopting crop rotation maintains the fertility of the soil and reduces the incidence of pests and diseases. For example, if farmers grow rice one year, then the next year they can grow pulses (such as moong or urad), which increases the amount of nitrogen in the soil.

• Diversification: Crop diversification means that farmers grow different crops at the same time. This allows farmers to earn money from the other crop if one crop is damaged for some reason. This is a way to reduce risk and keep the income of farmers stable.

5. Sustainable irrigation and fertilizer management

Proper management of water and fertilizer is very important for rice crop.

• Water saving: If farmers are in an area where there is water scarcity, they should use water saving irrigation methods (such as drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation). Apart from this, they can also increase the availability of water by conserving water sources.

• Fertilizer management: Proper use of fertilizer increases production. Farmers should use fertilizer only after getting the soil tested, so that the crop gets the nutrients as per its requirement. Using more fertilizer than required reduces the fertility of the soil and has a bad effect on the quality of the crop.

The role of these institutions in making agriculture self-reliant and advanced in India is commendable. For farmers, these improved varieties are not only a means of increasing the yield, but also a respect for their hard work, due to which they will continue to contribute significantly to the food security of the country.