Major Rice varieties: India is one of the leading countries in the world in rice production. Many improvements have been made in the cultivation here over time, including the development of improved varieties of rice through scientific methods. These rice varieties have been developed for higher yields, better nutrition and to face environmental challenges. Agricultural science and research institutes have developed many new and improved varieties of rice, which have proved to be highly beneficial for farmers. These varieties not only give high production, but are also capable of fighting different climatic conditions and diseases. Every variety has its own characteristics, which help farmers in different agricultural conditions. Let us know about some of these major new varieties in detail:
Let us know about some of the major varieties of rice developed scientifically:
1. Swarna (MTU 7029)
The correct name of this rice variety is “Swarna”. It is scientifically called MTU 7029, and is especially popular in eastern India. It was developed by Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University.
One of the most widely grown rice varieties, ‘Swarna’ is especially popular in eastern India. It was developed by Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University.
– Key features: This variety is medium-duration (145-150 days). It is high yielding and is tolerant to waterlogging and floods.
– Yield: 5-6 tonnes per hectare.
– Features: This variety is suitable for cultivation in eastern states, especially where floods and waterlogging are a common problem.
2. IR-64
‘IR-64’ is one of the major Indian rice varieties, developed by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
– Key Features: This variety is early maturing (110-120 days) and disease resistant, especially against diseases like blast and bacterial leaf blight.
– Yield: 4.5-5.5 tonnes per hectare.
– Features: It is quite popular among the farming community due to its early maturing and disease resistance.
3. BTEM (BPT 5204) – Sampoorna
BTEM paddy is also known as ‘Sampoorna’, and is mainly grown in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Its long rice varieties are also considered suitable for export.
– Key Features: It is a medium duration variety (140-145 days). This rice is tasty and long, so it is in high demand in the market.
– Yield: 5-6 tonnes per hectare.
– Features: It is famous as a high quality rice and looks like Basmati, although it is not Basmati.
4. PR-14
The PR-14 variety has been developed by Punjab Agricultural University, and it is grown in Punjab as well as Haryana.
– Key Features: It is an early maturing variety (135-140 days). It is tolerant to high temperature and drought, hence considered suitable in the context of climate change.
– Yield: 6-7 tonnes per hectare.
– Feature: Its key feature is its low water requirement, which is ideal for water-scarce areas.
5. Sahabhagyam (IET 17430)
‘Sahabhagyam’ paddy variety has been developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). This variety is considered to be disease resistant and drought tolerant.
– Key Features: It is an early maturing variety (125-130 days), specially adapted to dry areas.
– Yield: 4-5 tonnes per hectare.
– Features: This variety is suitable for cultivation in drought-prone areas, and is considered to be quite nutritious.
6. Pusa Basmati 1121
Pusa Basmati 1121 is one of the most premium Basmati rice varieties developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
– Key Features: It is a 140-145 days maturing variety, which is quite large in length. The aroma and quality of its rice is in great demand in the international market.
– Yield: 3.5-4 tonnes per hectare.
– Features: It can be grown in less water, and its aroma and length make it popular in the export market.
7. Samba Mahsuri (BPT 3291)
This variety is especially popular in South India. It has been developed by Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University.
– Key Features: It is a medium-duration (140-145 days) variety. This variety is disease resistant and its rice is of very good quality.
– Yield: 4-5 tonnes per hectare.
– Feature: This rice is considered good for diabetics due to low glycemic index (GI).
8. DRR Dhan 44
This paddy variety is suitable for dry direct seeding, developed by Dry Direct Research Institute (DRR).
– Key Features: This variety is ideal for drought affected areas. It can be grown even in less water and it is an early maturing variety (110-115 days).
– Yield: 5-6 tonnes per hectare.
- Feature: It gives better yield with drought tolerance.
9. BTER-1
BTER-1 is a drought tolerant variety developed for areas where there is water scarcity. This variety gives high yield even in less water, which helps farmers to fight problems like drought.
– Key Features: This variety requires less water and is suitable for drought affected areas and is ready in medium duration (125-130 days).
– Yield: 4-5 tonnes per hectare.
– Features: This variety is specially grown in drought affected areas of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
10. Samrat
‘Samrat’ is an improved variety, which is drought and heat tolerant as well as gives high production. This variety has been developed keeping in mind the problems of farmers of South India, who face sudden changes in climate.
– Key Features: It is an early maturing (110-115 days) variety, which can tolerate drought and heat.
– Yield: 5-6 tonnes per hectare.
– Feature: Widely grown in drought and heat affected states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
11. Rajendra Suvarna
Rajendra Suvarna is a rice variety especially popular in Bihar and Jharkhand, developed for areas where soil quality is poor and rainfall is low. This variety gives good yield even in low nutrient soil and is beneficial for farmers.
– Key Features: It is a medium duration (135-140 days) variety and is suitable for cultivation in rain-fed areas.
– Yield: 4-5 tonnes per hectare.
– Feature: This variety is ideal for areas like Bihar and Jharkhand, where soil quality is poor and water availability is limited.
12. Pusa 44
Pusa 44 is another popular rice variety, grown especially in northern India. It is able to withstand challenges like unseasonal rains and heat.
– Key Features: It is a medium duration (140-145 days) variety, suitable for soil and climate of northern India.
– Yield: 6-7 tons per hectare.
– Feature: This variety is cultivated in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, and is known for its superior quality and taste.
13. Sharbati
Sharabati is a type of long grain rice variety, mainly grown by farmers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Its rice looks similar to Basmati and is also excellent in taste.
– Key Features: This variety is ripe in a long duration (150-155 days) and is in high demand in the Indian market as well as the export market.
– Yield: 4-5 tons per hectare.
– Feature: This variety is mainly important for both domestic and export markets, and its taste is close to Basmati.
14. Red Rice
The red rice variety has been given special importance in the field of organic and natural farming. It is grown in states like Assam, Kerala and Karnataka. Red rice is rich in nutrients and has high iron and fiber content.
– Main features: It is a medium duration (120-130 days) variety and is suitable for organic farming.
– Yield: 3-4 tonnes per hectare.
– Feature: The use of red rice is considered beneficial for health, as it is rich in iron and antioxidants. It is mainly cultivated by farmers doing organic farming.
15. Sita
Sita variety is another drought-tolerant variety, which has been developed especially for those areas where there is a problem of water scarcity and rapid change in climate.
– Main features: It is an early maturing (115-120 days) variety, which is drought-tolerant and gives good yield even in less water.
– Yield: 4-5 tonnes per hectare.
– Feature: This variety is cultivated in drought-prone areas, such as Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Scientific rice varieties developed in India not only improve the livelihood of farmers but also play an important role in ensuring food security and facing environmental challenges. The diversity and characteristics of these varieties help farmers to face various problems, such as drought, flood, diseases and pests. These varieties developed with new technologies and research not only boost India’s rice production capacity but are also increasing the demand for Indian rice in the international market.
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