The farming community in Assam’s Golaghat district has recently experienced a shift away from standard paddy varieties to new flood-resistant options. About 60% of farmers in the West Brahmaputra area have adopted varieties such as Ranjit Sub1, Swarna Sub1, and Bahadur Sub1. This article will delve into the reasons behind this trend and explore the benefits these new varieties offer.
Background
Farmers in the flood-prone areas of Assam have been harvesting the water-resistant Swarna Sub1 since 2009. This variety was developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the International Rice Research Institute based in Manila. However, the transition away from traditional varieties of paddy has been slow. In 2018, other flood-resistant variants such as the Ranjit Sub-1 were reintroduced.
The Importance of Flood-Resistant Paddy Varieties
The primary factor that distinguishes these new rice varieties is their ability to withstand submergence. They can survive up to two weeks underwater without damage during periods of heavy flooding. This level of resilience contrasts starkly with traditional varieties, which often suffer extensive damage during floods.
Increased Yield
Incorporating the ‘submergence’ gene (or ‘sub,’ in short), these varieties demonstrate a remarkable increase in productivity, yielding up to five tonnes per hectare on average.
Reduction in Crop Loss
Approximately 1,500 farmers cultivating crops over roughly 950 hectares in areas prone to frequent floods have found these rice varieties to be highly beneficial. By being able to withstand the damaging effects of flooding, these crops significantly decrease the resultant crop losses.
Regeneration Capability
Adding another feather to their cap, these rice varieties boast an impressive capacity for regeneration. Even if they suffer damage during flooding, they can recover and continue to ensure maximum productivity.
About Rice
Rice, a kharif crop, thrives in high temperatures above 25°C and needs high humidity coupled with an annual rainfall exceeding 100 cm. It covers a quarter of India’s total cropped area. West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab are the country’s leading producers. The highest yield states include Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, and Kerala.
In West Bengal, farmers cultivate three crops of rice named ‘aus’, ‘aman’, and ‘boro’. Globally, India contributes 21.6% of all rice production, ranking second only to China. The introduction of flood-resistant varieties represents a significant stride towards building resilience against climate change.
