As the paddy cultivation season approaches, it’s important for farmers to select the right variety of rice that suits their region and climate. Choosing the wrong variety can result in poor yield or, worse, complete crop failure.
Here are some suitable paddy varieties that farmers can plant according to their regions:
1. Basmati Rice – Basmati rice is popular for its mouth-watering aroma and cooking texture. It’s mostly grown in the North Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Basmati rice requires fertile, well-drained soil, adequate irrigation, and warm weather for growth.
2. Samba Masuri – Samba Masuri is widely grown in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. It is preferred for its aroma, taste, and cooking texture. Samba Masuri requires ample sunlight, moderate rainfall, and well-drained loamy soil.
3. IR 64 – IR 64 is a high-yielding rice variety that’s popular in the East Indian states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. It has a short growth period and produces long and slender grains. IR 64 needs moderate rainfall, good irrigation facilities, and well-drained soil.
4. Mahsuri – Mahsuri is grown in the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It’s famous for its taste, aroma, and non-sticky texture. Mahsuri requires fertile, well-drained soil, abundant sunlight, and moderate rainfall.
5. Swarna – Swarna is another high-yield variety grown in Northern and Eastern Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. It has a medium grain size, short growth period, and is resistant to most diseases. Swarna needs fertile soil, good irrigation facilities, and moderate rainfall.
6. Pusa Basmati 1121 – Pusa Basmati 1121 is grown in the North Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. It’s famous for its long grain size, aroma, and cooking texture. Pusa Basmati 1121 requires fertile soil, good irrigation facilities, and warm weather for growth.
In conclusion, selecting the appropriate paddy variety is crucial for achieving a good crop yield. Farmers should consult with agricultural experts and seed suppliers to choose the most suitable seed type for their region, climate, and soil. Proper irrigation and pest management practices should also be followed to safeguard the crop and ensure a healthy harvest.