India Launches Made-In-Philippines Rice Variety In Eastern Regions To Boost Productivity 

India is a rice-loving nation. Growing drought-resistant rice and high-yielding paddy is a challenge in the nation, amidst unpredictable rains and other factors. To ensure high yields, the Indian government has launched a new variety of paddy. This special paddy is developed from two rice varieties in the Philippines and given to farmers in East India. Here’s more about this made-in-Philippines rice variety.

Made-In-Philippines Rice Variety Takes Over Eastern India

As per a report by The New Indian Express, the government has launched a special variety of rice developed from two varieties of rice found in the Philippines. Farmers in Odisha, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have received this paddy crop. It is called ‘Malaviya Manila Sinchit Dhan-1’ (MMSD). And this rice variety can boost rice production in parts of eastern India where productivity has witnessed stagnation.

Another credible part about his high-yielding rice variety is that it is drought resistant, a problem often witnessed in that region. After about 18 arduous years of research the MMSD variety came into existence. A collaboration between the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the International Rice Research Institute in Manila was responsible for this indomitable feat.

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Higher Productivity & Ability To Withstand Drought Condition

Other advantages of this new Philippines rice variety is that its productivity extends beyond conventional varieties. Firstly, this new rice variety matures early. Secondly, it has a long stem which helps it stand strong against harsh gusts of wind and droughts-like conditions.

Dr Shravan Kumar Singh, a BHU lead scientist threw more light on this to TNIE. As per Singh, the new crop has a productivity of 55-64 quintals per hectare, double the average rice productivity in India. Moreover, it as a maturity time of 115-120 days instead of the regular 135-150 days of normal varieties. The introduction of the made-in-Philippines rice amped up grain production yields by 10% in states like Bihar, UP and Odisha.

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It goes to see whether this new rice variety can help boost productivity in the eastern parts of India.

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