A high-quality short duration paddy seed, which could thrive in shifting climatic conditions, has been developed by a research agency in south
Indian state of Kerala.
Researchers of Mankombu Rice Research Station (RRC), an agency under the Kerala Agricultural University, has developed the seed as part of attempts to give a relief to
farmers who are worried over the delayed harvest.
'Pratyasha', the new seed variety, is the 21st such product developed at the centre.
The research station had earlier developed the highly popular 'Uma' variety, which was being used by over 80 per cent of farmers in Kuttanad, the 'rice bowl' of Kerala.
However, unpredictable climate changes forced the agency to think of a variety that could ripen faster than 'Uma'.
If 'Uma' would take 120 to 130 days to reach the harvest stage, 'Pratyasha' could be harvested after 100-105 days.
Though the yield offered by 'Pratyasha' is comparatively lesser than that of 'Uma' which produces 6 to 7.5 tons a hectare capability, its medicinal and nutritious
values are high.
RRS Director S Leenakumari said the new paddy seed promises a better taste an has much more nutritional value with a higher content of iron and zinc.
As it is a short-duration variety, farmers who use the seed could have two round cultivation in a year, she said.
A total of 560 kg of 'Pratyasha' was developed by the RSS in the first phase.