Samba Mahsuri (BPT-5204) is a high-yielding and popular variety of paddy crop in India. It is a long-duration variety and takes around 145-150 days to mature after transplanting. It is mainly cultivated in the southern parts of the country, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
The Samba Mahsuri variety is highly preferred by farmers due to its excellent grain quality, high yield potential, and resistance to pests and diseases. It has slender, long grains with a glossy texture and is more fragrant than other varieties of paddy.
The crop requires adequate sunlight, high humidity, and a temperature range of 20-32 degrees Celsius for optimum growth. It is a semi-dwarf variety, with a height of around 100-110 cm and a high number of tillers.
The optimum time for transplanting Samba Mahsuri is during the months of June-July, depending on the onset of monsoon rains. The crop requires well-drained loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
The crop requires regular irrigation, particularly during the flowering and grain-filling stages. Fertilizer application should be done based on the soil test results and the crop’s nutrient requirements. The crop is susceptible to pests and diseases such as blast, stem borer, leaf folder, and brown plant hopper, and hence, regular scouting and the use of appropriate agrochemicals are necessary to control them.
The crop reaches physiological maturity around 140-145 days after transplanting, and harvesting can be done manually or through the use of machines. The grains should be threshed immediately after harvesting to prevent seed damage and storage problems.
In conclusion, Samba Mahsuri is an important long-duration variety of paddy crop with excellent yield potential and grain quality. Its maturity period of around 145-150 days makes it suitable for cultivation in areas with an extended growing season, and its resistance to pests and diseases makes it a preferred choice among farmers. Proper cultivation practices, including adequate irrigation and fertilization, timely pest and disease management, and timely harvesting and threshing, can ensure higher yields and better quality grains.