Ponnampet Agricultural Research Station has been conducting research on varieties of paddy developed by Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad, This year, it has conducted test on 184 varieties of paddy.

The station has been conducting research on paddy that are suitable for cultivating using water from canals, Malnad, Plateau region.

The Directorate of Rice Research conducts study on paddy which are suitable for various climate and recommends for its cultivation. The Ponnampet Research Station through its research have found that KPR 1 and KPR 2 variety of paddy are suitable to hilly region and rain-fed farming in Kodagu.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, senior subject expert B Manjunath said that scientists were recommending Thunga variety for Kodagu. As as alternative to Tunga, KPR 1 and KPR 2 varieties have been developed. These two varieties have resistance to ‘paddy blast’ or ‘benki roga.’ The varieties will be released during next June. KPR 1 variety grows 110 to 115 centimetre long. Farmers can harvest within 145 days of harvest. The yield per hectare is 55 to 60 quintal.

On the other hand, KPR2 is a small paddy variety. The rice is known for its aroma. The paddy grows 90 cm long. There is good demand for this fragrance paddy. Progressive farmers like Suju Karumbaiah, S C Thimmaiah, K M Poovaiah, K M Dali Changalla have cultivated this variety in Kodagu. “The centre has been guiding the farmers on new paddy varieties and its cultivation. The centre also guides farmers in dairy farming, pisciculture, piggery, and pepper cultivation by taking up extension activities,” said Manjunath.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Gonikoppa – December 19th, 2014