Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU) has developed a new bybrid rice varieity which can have an yield potential of above 10 tonnes per hectare.
Agri experts say 'CORH 3', the new variety, can provide an increased 25 per cent yield over popular varieties and will be a great help for state farmers to enhance rice
productivity.
"The CORH 3, which gives an increased 25 per cent yield over popular varieties, also has consumer-friendly cooking quality," Dr P Subbian, Registrar, TNAU, said.
He was speaking at the three-day Annual Research workshop on Rice, which began here on Friday.
The official also said TNAU was making intensive efforts to popularise the new rice variety.
Stating that demand for rice in India in 2025 would be around 140 million tonnes, he said rice productivity has to necessarily come from enhanced production under "depleting and
diminishing resources."
Dr K Kalayanasundaram, Director, Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology, Thanjavur, said genetic interventions were required to strengthen the linkage between the grain and the crop, so as to prevent the grain from falling to the ground during harvest.
About 180 scientists involved in rice research are taking part in the workshop, which is discussing the current status of research and also to plan future strategies.