Odisha Scientists Develop Three New Rice Varieties to Combat Climate Change

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Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards tackling climate change and ensuring food security, agricultural scientists in Odisha have successfully developed three new rice varieties. These climate-resilient crops are expected to play a crucial role in supporting the country’s food security amidst unpredictable weather conditions. The National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) in Cuttack has spearheaded this initiative, introducing the varieties CR Dhan 108, CR Dhan 810, and CR Dhan 416. 

With over nine new rice varieties and more than 100 types of bio-fortified and high-yielding crops developed for both field and horticulture farming, this innovation offers hope to the farming community that has been struggling with erratic weather patterns. 

Addressing Uncertainty in Farming 

The initiative comes as a response to the increasing uncertainties in agriculture due to climate change. Traditional rice farming has faced challenges such as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and prolonged droughts, which have severely impacted productivity. The newly developed varieties are expected to enhance productivity, stability, and nutritional value in rice farming across the country. 

Director of NRRI, Amaresh Kumar Nayak, emphasized that the newly developed rice varieties have been engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. These varieties demonstrate higher tolerance to heat, require less water, and possess increased resistance to pests and diseases. Their resilience makes them particularly suitable for climate-stressed regions. 

“The new CR Dhan 108 variety is drought-resistant and has been developed specifically for Odisha and Bihar. It is well-suited for coastal conditions, with a maturity period of approximately 112 days, making it ideal for early sowing conditions in Eastern India.” 

Boosting Farmer Income 

CR Dhan 108, a medium-grained drought-resistant variety, has shown superior performance in comparison to other existing varieties under medium drought conditions. With its medium-slender grains being preferred in markets, this variety is anticipated to significantly increase farmers' income. Senior NRRI scientist Sushanta Kumar Dash highlighted that this variety could be a game-changer for farmers, helping them achieve better yields and earn more. 

“This variety can greatly increase farmers' income, especially in regions where drought is a major concern,” said Dash. 

Flood-Resistant Varieties for Rain-Prone Regions 

CR Dhan 810 (also known as Gayatri Sub-1) is another promising variety developed by NRRI. It is specially designed to thrive in flood-prone regions of Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam. With a maturity period of about 150 days, CR Dhan 810 has an impressive yield potential of 42 quintals per hectare. The variety is also resistant to leaf folder and stem borer pests and shows tolerance to blast and blight diseases, which are common in waterlogged conditions. 

“This variety is flood-tolerant and is designed for rain-dependent lowland areas,” Dash added. 

Salinity-Resistant Varieties for Coastal Areas 

The third variety, CR Dhan 416, has been developed to withstand high salinity conditions. This variety is particularly useful for coastal regions of West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. With a yield potential of 43 quintals per hectare, CR Dhan 416 shows promise in helping farmers overcome the challenges of farming in saline soils. 

Conclusion 

With these innovations, Odisha's agricultural scientists have taken a crucial step towards creating sustainable solutions for rice farming in the face of climate change. These new rice varieties are expected to boost productivity, increase farmer income, and contribute to the overall resilience of Indian agriculture in the years to come. As climate patterns continue to evolve, such scientific advancements will play an essential role in securing the future of food production in India.