India - Birsa Agriculture University working on developing drought resistant rice varieties

A team of seven scientists from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) visited on Saturday to review the research programs of the IRRI, a project funded by the Philippines for the development of drought resistant rice varieties. The team included Dr Suresh Kadru, Dr PT Prakashan and Dr VitalianoLopena from IRRI, Philippines, Dr MR Islam from IRRI, Philippines-Bangladesh and Dr ChallaVenkateshvarlu and J Comijeria from IRRI, Philippines-Hyderabad.

The team of scientists closely watched the performance of about 381 drought resistant rice varieties in each of the four experimental farms operated under the IRRI Rice Research Project at Birsa Agriculture University’s (BAU) Western Section Farm. During this, crop performance of 140 rice varieties in upper land, 235 in medium land and 26 in low land was assessed. Vegetative growth of the crop, height, grain, pest and disease diseases, effect of moisture in the fields, better demonstrated crop varieties were observed. Obtained necessary research related information and destination from scientists associated with IRRI-Rice Research Project.

The team described the crop performance of various drought resistant varieties of rice as very encouraging and appreciated the research design of the experimental farm. They said that the crop management in the farm was good and stressed on proper moisture management in the fields. The scientific team gave necessary suggestions to the BAU scientists for the development of State friendly and rain-resistant drought resistant varieties and gave necessary tips for better management. The team said that the management of moisture in paddy fields in Jharkhand is a big challenge. For this leveling of fields and advanced technologies will have to be given priority. The team talked about controlling the outbreak of odorous bug and stem borer in the paddy crop.

The experts also expressed the need for special attention on zinc deficiency in paddy crop. Dr PK Singh, Dr Krishna Prasad, Dr PB Saha, Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, Dr Ekhlakh Ahmed, Dr Ravi Kumar, Dr Vinay Kumar, Dr MK Varnwal, Dr Varsha Rani and others were also present during the visit.

After the research farm visit, the IRRI scientific team shared the experiences of the farm visit with BAU Director Research Dr SK Pal, Additional Director Research, Dr PK Singh and Head of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Dr Sohan Ram and scientists associated with IRRI Rice Research Project and discussed future research strategy.

BAU's rice crop expert, Dr Krishna Prasad informed the team that research program on more than two thousand rice varieties is being conducted by the university in about 15 acres of land under ICAR and IRRI research project. Paddy cultivation is rain-fed in about 80 percent of the area in the state. On which research works are being carried forward with special attention.