Improved Varieties of Paddy Crop: An Overview
Paddy is the most widely grown crop in the world, providing food for billions of people. With the increase in the population, there is a continuous demand for more paddy and thus for improved varieties. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to develop improved varieties of paddy crop that offer higher yields, disease resistance, and improved grain quality. In this article, we will discuss some of the improved varieties of paddy crop that have been developed in recent years.
1. IR64:
Developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), IR64 is a highly productive and widely adopted variety of paddy crop. It is known for its high yield potential, good grain quality, and resistance to several diseases, including bacterial leaf blight and blast. IR64 is a semi-dwarf plant with a tillering capacity of 14-20, making it suitable for high-yielding environments.
2. Swarna-Sub1:
Swarna-Sub1 is a flood-tolerant paddy variety that was developed by the Rice Breeding Group at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). It is suitable for cultivation in flood-prone areas and can withstand complete submergence for up to two weeks. It has been shown to have a yield advantage of 1.2 t/ha over conventional varieties in flood-prone areas.
3. ADT 43:
ADT 43 is a high-yielding and early-maturing semi-dwarf paddy variety developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. It has a yield potential of 6.5 t/ha and matures in 120 days. ADT 43 has good quality characteristics and is resistant to bacterial leaf blight and blast.
4. MTU 1010:
MTU 1010 is a high-yielding paddy variety that was developed by the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad. It has a yield potential of up to 10 t/ha and is resistant to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses. MTU 1010 is a semi-tall plant with a more robust root system, making it suitable for cultivation in areas prone to moisture stress.
5. CO 43:
CO 43 is a semi-dwarf paddy variety developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. It has a high yield potential of up to 8 t/ha and matures in 135-140 days. CO 43 is resistant to bacterial leaf blight and blast and has good grain quality characteristics.
Conclusion:
Improved varieties of paddy crop are essential in addressing the increasing food demand and enhancing farmer’s income. These varieties offer higher yields, disease resistance, and improved grain quality, making them more suitable for cultivation in different environments. While selecting the variety to be cultivated, it is essential to consider factors such as soil type, the level of available nutrients, environmental conditions and the water availability. By choosing the right variety and management practices, farmers can enhance their productivity and profitability in paddy cultivation.