In view of frequent drought and flood conditions, the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack has developed four new varieties of drought-resistant paddy and a flood-wind resistant variety. The four verities, Ankit, Sachala, Gopinath and Maudamani can meet drought condition and another variety, Chakaakhi, can grow in less water condition and survive flood conditions up to a week. Besides, it would also withstand high winds. These varieties have been developed specifically to deal with the changing climate and pattern of rain in the State.
According to CRRE Chief Scientist Sharat Kumar Pradhan, Ankit (CR Paddy-101) can be cultivated on high lands with less water and would be harvestable in three and a half months. This would give a harvest up to 40 quintals per hectare in normal condition and up to 28 quintals per hectare under drought condition. Besides, it has got immunity to certain diseases.
Sachala (CR Paddy-203) and Gopinath are also immune to certain diseases and can be harvested in 110 days. The cultivation and harvest are the same like the Ankit variety, he added. But, Maudamani (CR-307) is a small, fatty and pest-resistant variety of paddy and can be cultivated in the irrigated lands. About 50 quintals per hectare of this variety can be harvested in normal conditions.
Pradhan said Chakaakhi (CR-408) is fatty and can withstand flood conditions and pest attack. It can grow up to 130 to 140 centimetres and harvest period is 160-165 days.