Assam scientists develop high-protein, climate-smart rice varieties

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Scientists of Assam have developed a number of high-protein, climate smart, high-yielding and aromatic high-yielding varieties of rice that have shorter duration and that remain erect even after ripening.

The credit goes to the scientists of Gerua (Hajo)-based RRL-RRS (Regional Rainfed Lowland Rice Research Station) under ICAR-NRRL (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Rice Research Institute).

Talking to The Sentinel, RRL-RRS, Gerua officer in-charge and Principal Scientist Dr. Rupankar Bhagawati said, "Among the high-protein rice variety, CR Dhan 310 is the world's first bio-fortified rice with 10.3 per cent protein and around 20 ppm (parts per million) zinc. While CR Dhan 309 has 10.2% protein, CR Dhan 311 has 10.1 per cent protein and zinc 21 ppm. All these varieties of kharif rice have duration of 115-125 days and their yield is five tonnes to six tonnes per hectare.

"The climate-smart varieties of kharif rice CR Dhan 801 and CR Dhan 802 can survive under drought. They also can survive under water when submerged for two weeks. Their duration is 140-145 days and the yield varies from 5-6.5 tonnes per hectare.

"High-yielding varieties, CR Dhan 307, CR Dhan 500, CR Dhan 501, CR Dhan 505, CR Dhan 506 and CR Dhan 508 rice are lodging resistant, besides being suitable for semi-deep and low-lying land cultivation. Their duration ranges from 145-160 days. The yield is 3.4-8 tonnes per hectare.

"We've also developed an aromatic high-yielding variety of kharif rice – CR Dhan 909. It has been developed and released from Assam. It is semi-dwarf rice with strong aroma, good cooking quality, without lodging problem and is suitable for rice flakes and confectionary products. Its duration is 140-145 days and yield is 4.5-5.5 tonnes per hectare.

"We've also developed four more high-yielding varieties for all the three seasons – Ahu, Sali and Boro. They are CR Dhan 601, BIRRI 75, BINA 17 and Chandrama. Their duration is 115-145 days, and the yield is 3.5-5.6 tonnes per hectare.

"We request the farmers to book for the seeds of all these varieties of rice till May 25, 2020 for the next year's delivery. The price tag is Rs 72.50 per kg."