The Chhattisgarh’s paddy variety ‘Devbhog’, developed by the Indira Gandhi Agriculture University (IGAU) scientists, will be grown in Ayodhya and adjoining areas of Uttar Pradesh.
IGAU and Purari Seeds Company, Ayodhya, on Wednesday signed an agreement to procure 120 quintals of Devbhog paddy seeds. It will be planted in 1,200 acres in Ayodhya and nearby areas, an official communication said.
IGAU Director (Research) Dr. P.L. Chandrakar said these were high quality seeds. The University will provide all support and technical know-how for production.
Purari Seeds Co Director Ram Gopal Tiwari said that he had decided to grow the paddy in around 1,200 acres in and around Ayodhya after being impressed by the quality of the seeds.
He said he had a discussion with officials of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas for use of Devbhog rice as a sacred offering in the temple.
IGAU has developed Devhbog from hybridization of ‘Swarna’ and ‘Jeera’ varieties of paddy. It is medium yielding with a duration (135-140 days) variety and is tolerant to diseases like brown spot, sheath rot and other diseases.
It falls under the medium fine size and grain recovery is 67 percent. The grains have a good amount of amylose (24.5 percent) with a sweet aroma, due to which the rice is very soft when cooked.
The average yield is 40 to 45 quintals per hectare. It has been recommended for Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh.