In order to popularize water-resistant paddy varieties, the Manila-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has agreed to provide technological support to Assam farmers. A delegation from IRRI recently visited the state’s flood-prone crop land and observed that Assam could easily become a rice-surplus state by reducing flood-induced crop damage and also contribute significantly to the nation’s food security. The delegation emphasized on local trials in agro-climatic zones for introducing and ensuring variety adaptability.
IRRI developed Swarna SUB-1 variety of paddy has already been cultivated after the state procured two tonnes of seeds. In view of the recurring damages caused to crops by floods submergence-tolerant paddy varieties assume importance in the state. Besides, in order that stakeholders, especially the farming community, could have their own decision making power, IRRI stressed the need for phase-wise strategic improvement of capacity building.
During 2012-13, the production of rice in the state, spread over an area of 24.88 lakh hectares stood at 52.33 MT. Of the state’s net crop area of 28.11 lakh hectares, 4.93 lakh hectares happen to be chronically flood-prone.