Two new herbicide-tolerant (HT) varieties of Basmati rice were developed by ICAR: Pusa Basmati 1979 & Pusa Basmati 1985 specifically to address challenges in cultivation, such as weed infestation and reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. One of the important features of these new varieties is their compatibility with the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technique. This method not only conserves water but also promises to boost farmers' incomes. By adopting DSR along with these HT Basmati rice varieties, farmers can optimize their resources and yield, making cultivation more sustainable and profitable.
Pusa Basmati 1979 & Pusa Basmati 1985
Pusa Basmati 1979 is an improved version of Pusa Basmati 1121, while Pusa Basmati 1985 is an advancement of Pusa Basmati 1509. By refining these existing varieties, ICAR has developed HT rice plants that can withstand herbicide applications, thereby streamlining weed management during cultivation.
Basmati rice, known for its aromatic and long-grain qualities, is a cornerstone of India's agricultural exports. However, farmers encounter various obstacles, including weed infestation and disease outbreaks, which often necessitate the use of chemical pesticides. Excessive pesticide residues can lead to pricing challenges, impacting farmers' profitability.
Diverse Landscape of Basmati Rice Varieties
Beyond the herbicide-tolerant varieties, India boasts a rich repertoire of Basmati rice varieties. Notably, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) recognizes 45 distinct Basmati rice varieties under the Seeds Act, 1966. These encompass a wide range of options, each tailored to specific environmental and market demands, offering farmers a diverse toolkit for rice cultivation.
Some prominent Basmati rice varieties include Basmati 217, Punjab Basmati 1 (Bonny Basmati), Basmati 386, Punjab Basmati 2, Punjab Basmati 3, Basmati 370, Haryana Basmati 1, Tarawadi Basmati (HBC 19), Type 3 (Dehradun Basmati), Pant Basmati 1 (IET 21665), Pant Basmati 2 (IET 21953), Kasturi, Mahi Sugandha, Basmati CSR 30 (post modification), Malviya Basmati Rice 10-9 (IET 21669), Ranbir Basmati, Basmati 564, Pusa Basmati 1, Pusa Basmati 1121 (post modification), Pusa Basmati 1509 (IET 21960), Pusa Basmati 6 (Pusa 1401), Pusa Basmati 1609, Pusa Basmati 1637, Pusa Basmati 1728, Vallabh Basmati 22, Vallabh Basmati 21 (IET 19493), Vallabh Basmati 23, Vallabh Basmati 24, Pusa Basmati 1718, Punjab Basmati 4, Punjab Basmati 5, Haryana Basmati 2, Pusa Basmati 1692, Jammu Basmati 118, Jammu Basmati 138, Jammu Basmati 129, Jammu Basmati 123, Pusa Basmati 1847, Pusa Basmati 1885, Pusa Basmati 1886, Pusa Basmati 1985, Pusa Basmati 1979, Pusa Basmati 1882, and Punjab Basmati 7, among others.
By promoting sustainable practices such as DSR and harnessing the benefits of herbicide tolerance, these new varieties pave the way for enhanced productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship in Basmati rice cultivation.
