Punjab to sow new short duration Basmati variety next kharif

Punjab will be the first state to commence cultivation of new the short duration variety of Basmati rice from the next Kharif season.

The new variety is expected to give boost to export potential of aromatic rice from the country.

Developed by scientists of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), under the ministry of agriculture, the new variety referred as 'Pusa Basmati 1509' takes about 115-120 days to mature against 145-150 days for 'Pusa 1121', which constitute a major chunk of India's aromatic long grain rice exports.

Besides, the new variety does not shatter in case of any delay in harvesting and has a superior grain quality.

An agriculture ministry official said following the meeting of All India Rice Workers Group meeting, which consist of rice breeders and other concerned officials, in April, the ministry will notify the variety '1509' as Basmati.

"Because of lesser duration of crop, the new variety would help farmers in saving atleast 5-6 irrigations and ensure better yield," KV Prabhu, Head, Division of Genetics, IARI told FE. Prabhu said the short duration variety would help Punjab farmers in reducing the ground water usage significantly by using monsoon rains.

In Punjab and Haryana, groundwater has depleted to alarming level because of excessive usage in growing paddy and wheat. This has forced the two states to ban usage of ground water in the summer month of June for rice sowing so that monsoon rains could be used in July.

Exporters said the new variety are definitely going to replace large areas under Pusa 1121, which has more than 70% share in India's Basmati rice exports market.

During the trial phase, yield wise, the '1509' variety has given around 6.5 tonne per hectare against around 4.5 and 2.5 tonne reported for the widely grown 1121 and traditional Basmati varieties respectively.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Airfares: Travel agents to keep shutters down on Tuesday

Companies expand background check on jobseekers

Sebi mulls steps to check manipulation through BlackBerry Messenger, WhatsApp

Hospitality sector attracts $3.2 bn FDI in Apr-Feb FY13