India
December 7, 2010

The target fixed for production of paddy during the year 2010-11 is 102.00 million tonnes, including 87.00 million tonnes for Kharif and 15.00 million tonnes for Rabi.

Development of high yielding varieties suited to different agro-ecological zones and tolerant to various biotic and abiotic stresses is the major mandate of crop based ICAR institutes. Every year several genotypes are tested across the country in different situations and locations. Based on three years performance, better genotypes than the already released varieties are recommended for release for different situations. In paddy, so far about 870 high yielding varieties and 43 hybrids have been developed and released for cultivation in different ecological conditions. Varieties suited to specific situations have also been released. These high yielding varieties/ hybrids are being promoted through various crop development schemes.

This information was given by Prof. K.V. Thomas, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Website: http://pib.nic.in

Published: December 7, 2010