rice

Page | 1

For more Information contact: Visit Rice Knowledge Management Portal http://www.rkmp.co.in

Rice Knowledge Management Portal (RKMP)

Directorate of Rice Research,

Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030. Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Hybrid Rice in India –Current Status and Future Prospects

BC Viraktamath

Project Director

Directorate of Rice Research

Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-30

Page | 2





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Introduction

Rice is the staple food crop grown in an area of 44 Mha with a production of 99 m.t. (2008). The

country witnessed an impressive growth in rice production in the post-independence era due to

the adoption of semi dwarf high yielding varieties coupled with the adoption of intensive input

based management practices. Rice production was increased four times, productivity three times

while the area increase was only one and half times during this period. In order to keep pace with

the growing population, the estimated rice requirement by 2025 is about 130 m.t. Plateuing trend

in the yield of HYV’s, declining and degrading natural resources like land and water and acute

shortage of labor make the task of increasing rice production quite challenging. The current

situation necessitates looking for some innovative technologies to boost rice production.

Encouraged by the success of hybrid rice technology in enhancing the rice production and

productivity in China, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) initiated a national

program for development and large scale adoption of hybrid rice in the country in December

1989. The project was implemented through a National Network comprising research, seed

production and extension networks. The hybrid rice research network consisted of 11 research

centres and many voluntary centres spread across the country (Fig-1). The addresses of some of

these centres is given in Appendix–I. The seed

Present National Hybrid RiceResearch Network

Delhi, Faizabad,

Mandya, Maruteru, Coimbatore

Karjat,

Nawagam

Cuttack, Raipur,

JabalpurDRR, Hyderabad

SRC & CC

Fig.1 Hybrid Rice Research Network in India

Page | 3





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

production network consisted of public sector seed production agencies such as National Seed

Corporation, State Farms Corporation of India and the State Seed Development Corporations in

addition to many private sector seed companies. The extension network consisted of state

departments of Agriculture, extension wings of the SAUs, Krishi Vignan Kendras (Farm science

centres) and the NGOs. Effective linkages were established within the different sub-components

of the network. The entire project was co-ordinated and implemented by the Directorate of Rice

Research (DRR), Hyderabad. The project initiated by the ICAR, was further strengthened by the

technical backstopping from IRRI Philippines, FAO, the financial support from the UNDP, Mahyco

Research Foundation, World Bank funded National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP) and

IRRI/ADB Project on Hybrid Rice. These projects were continued till 2005.

The visionary approach of the policy makers, generous funding from the donors and

effective implementation of the multi-disciplinary program in a mission mode by the project

personnel, helped India to become the second country in the world after China to develop and

commercialize hybrid rice.

Hybrid rice technology is likely to play a key role in increasing the rice production. During

the year 2008, hybrid rice was planted in an area of 1.4 m.ha. and an additional rice production of

1.5 to 2.5 m.t. was added to our food basket through this technology. More than 80 % of the total

hybrid rice area is in eastern Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, with

some little area in states like Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Punjab and Haryana. As rice is a key source

of livelihood in eastern India, a considerable increase in yield through this technology will have a

major impact on household food and nutritional security, income generation, besides an economic

impact in the region. In view of this, hybrid rice has been identified as one of the components

under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) launched by the Government of India (GOI) with

the aim to enhance rice production by 10 m.t. by 2011-12. Similarly, added emphasis is being

given for adoption of hybrid rice under the special scheme of GOI to bring green revolution to

eastern India. The present status of hybrid rice in the country, the major challenges and the future

outlook for this innovative technology are briefly given in this bulletin.

Page | 4





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

2. Development of Hybrids

2.1 CMS system

Most of the rice hybrids in the country and elsewhere in the world are developed by using

the CMS or the three line system. This system involves a CMS or ‘A’ line, a maintainer or a ‘B’ line

and a restorer or ‘R’ line (Fig.2). Since three lines are required for the production of a hybrid, this is

popularly called as the three line system. The ‘CMS’ line is multiplied by growing it along with its

corresponding ‘B’ line in isolation. The ‘A’ line seed thus obtained will be grown along with ‘R’ line

in isolation for the production of hybrid rice seed. The three line system is by far the most stable

and widely used system in the world, although two line system is being used to a limited extend in

China.

Fig. 2: Hybrid Rice Seed Production by using Three Line System

rr

S

X rr

rr

N

S

rr

S

X RR

Rr

N

S

Step-I(CMS Multiplication)

Step-II(Hybrid Seed Production)

CMS or A line

Maintainer or B line

CMS or A line

Hybrid to be commerciallygrown by farmers

Page | 5





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

2.2 The system of evaluation of rice hybrids

The multilocational evaluation trials are conducted by every state in most crops at selected

locations under different agro-climatic zones to identify a variety/hybrid suitable for these zones.

In rice also, multi-location evaluation of promising experimental hybrids at 25 – 30 locations

representing different agro-climatic zones of the country is the major activity in the hybrid rice

network, coordinated by the Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad-500 030 through which

hybrids are being tested in replicated trials. The breeders across the country nominate their best

hybrids identified based on their performance in preliminary replicated yield trials for evaluation

in nation-wide multilocation trials. The test hybrids are nominated both by the public sector

research organizations and private sector R&D units.

The test hybrids are pooled together based on duration and are evaluated in Initial Hybrid

Rice Trials (IHRT). Each nominating hybrid entry is assigned IET (Initial Evaluation Trial) number

which indicates its identity. An entry possessing IET number suggests that it has undergone

multilocation testing in the AICRIP trials. Based on duration of the hybrid entries three groups of

trials viz., Early (<120 days), Mid-Early (121-130 days) and Medium (131-140 days) are constituted.

Besides this, one more trial (HRT-MS) is constituted based on grain type viz., medium slender grain

type (similar to BPT 5204) with a purpose to identify the promising hybrids in this grain type

category. Likewise, special trials are also constituted for evaluation of hybrids under abiotic stress

conditions like saline alkaline conditions. A separate trial to evaluate the hybrids suitable for

shallow low lands (SLHRT) is also conducted with the help of CRRI, Cuttack.

Prior to kharif season 1999, test hybrids were sent for evaluation only at hybrid rice

network centers and at the research farms of some private seed companies. Based on the

experiences gained over the years and necessity of comparing the hybrids with best available high

yielding inbred varieties, the revised system (Fig. 3) of evaluation of promising hybrids identified

in Initial Hybrid Rice Trial (IHRT) along with inbred varieties in advance variety trials has been

adapted since kharif season 1999. Test hybrids which record more than 5% yield advantage over

the best hybrid check and 10% yield advantage over the best varietal check are promoted to next

stage of testing. The hybrids promoted from IHRT are included in AVT-1 and subsequently

Page | 6





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

promoted to AVT-2 if their performance is good in AVT-1. At AVT stage, the experimental hybrids

are evaluated along with the best inbred entries in the same trial, this providing opportunity for

critical comparison between the hybrids and the inbreds. At the AVT-2 stage, hybrids will also be

tested for agronomic performance, disease/insect pest resistance and grain quality traits. Those

entries with consistent yield advantage and other desirable traits will be identified for release at

the time of Annual Rice Workshop by a specially constituted Varietal Identification Committee

(VIC). The proposals of identified hybrids are placed before the Central Sub-Committee on Crop

Standards, Notification and Release of Varieties (CSCCSN & RV) for deliberation and final approval.

This is a well organized, proven system tested over the years and found to be very effective.

Evaluation of most promising hybrids along with the promising inbred cultures in the same trials

has given much credence to this system.

Fig. 3: System of evaluation of rice hybrids in National coordinated trials

Page | 7





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

2.3 Hybrids released

As a result of concerted efforts for over two decades, totally 46 hybrids have been released

for commercial cultivation in the country. Among these, 29 have been released from the public

sector while remaining 17 have been developed and released by the private sector

(Table – 1). Out of 46 hybrids, 22 have been released by the State Variety Release Committees,

while 24 viz., PHB-71, PA 6201, KRH-2, PA 6444, Pusa RH-10, RH 204, Ganga, Suruchi, DRRH-2,

JKRH-401, PA 6129, Sahyadri-4, GK 5003, DRH 775, HRI 157, PAC 835, PAC 837, DRRH-3, US 312,

Rajlaxmi, Indam 200-017,CRHR-32, NK 5251 and 27P11 have been released by the CSCCSN & RV.

Among the central releases, seven hybrids viz., KRH-2, Pusa RH-10, DRRH-2, Sahyadri-4, DRRH-3,

Rajlaxmi and CRHR 32 are from the public sector and the remaining 17 are from the private sector.

Though 46 hybrids have been released in the country so far, some of them have been

outdated, and some are not in the production chain. Such hybrids which are in the production

chain and available for commercial cultivation are listed below (Table 1).

Table 1: Hybrids currently available for cultivation

Central releases State releases

Public Sector KRH 2, Pusa RH 10, DRRH 2, Rajlaxmi,

Sahyadri 4, DRRH 3, CRHR 32

PSD 3, Ajay, CoRH 3, Indira

Sona, JRH 8

Private Sector PHB 71, PA 6129, PA 6201, PA 6444, JKRH

401, Suruchi, GK 5003, DRH 775, HRI-157,

PAC 835, PAC 837, US 312, Indam 200-

017, NK 5251, 27P11

New hybrids

2.4 Multilocational evaluation of released hybrids

To make a comparative evaluation of hybrids released in the country and to get

information on their adaptability in different states across the country, multilocational evaluation

of released hybrids was taken up in three phases. In the first phase, all the hybrids released prior

Page | 8





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

to 1999 were extensively tested during three seasons viz., Kharif 1999 (64 locations), rabi 1999-

2000 (15 locations) and kharif 2000 (46 locations). Based on overall mean (125 locations) pooled

over three years, the hybrids viz., KRH-2, PHB-71, Sahyadri, PA 6201, NSD-2 and DRRH-1 were

found promising and widely adapted. KRH-2 hybrid topped in both the kharif seasons, whereas

Sahyadri hybrid was found to be better during rabi season (Table – 2).

Table – 2: Hybrids found suitable for other states (other than for which they are released) based

on MLT data-Phase I

HYBRIDS Released for the states Found suitable for other states

based on MLT performance (1999

& 2000)

1 DRRH 1 Andhra Pradesh Tripura

2 CORH 2 Tamil Nadu Tripura

3 Sahyadri Maharastra Tripura

4 NSD 2 Uttar Pradesh Tripura and Maharastra

In the second phase, all the hybrids released after 2000 were tested in 32 – 35 locations

across the country during kharif 2006 (34 locations), kharif 2007 (35 locations) and kharif 2008 (32

locations) seasons. Based on the criteria of 10% yield advantage over the best varietal check and

5% over the best hybrid check promising hybrids for different states have been identified (Table –

5).

In the third phase, the seven hybrids released after 2009 were tested in 26 locations across

the country during Kharif 2010. Four hybrids viz., PAC 835, PAC 837, Indam 200-017 and DRH-775

have shown the significant yield advantage over the checks (Table 3).

Page | 9





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Table – 3: Hybrids found suitable for other states (other than for which they are released) based

on MLT data-Phase II

S.No Hybrids Released for the

states

Found suitable for other states based on MLT

performance (2006,07 & 08)

Early group

1 CORH-3 Tamilnadu New Delhi, Uttarkhand, Assam, Chattisgarh,

Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal,

2 DRRH -2 Haryana,

Uttarkhand, West

Bengal and

Tamilnadu

New Delhi, Assam, Chattisgarh, Madhya

Pradesh, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat

Mid-Early Group

3 PSD -3 Uttarkhand Assam, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra

Pradesh and Tamilnadu

Medium group

4 CRHR-5 Orissa Bihar and Andhra Pradesh

5 JKRH-2000 West Bengal, Bihar

and Orissa

Jharkhand

6 PA 6444 U.P, Tripura, Orissa,

A.P, Karnataka,

Maharastra and

Uttarkhand

Jharkhand and Gujarat

*States in bold font represent hybrids performed well in all three seasons

Page | 10





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Table 3 – Promising hybrids identified in MLT Phase III (Kharif 2010)

S.No. Hybrid DFF Yield (kg/ha)

Mean North East West South

Mid-early

2. Indam 200-017 96 5602

[6]

5326

[20]

5312

(20)

[5]

6004

(14)

5684

[9]

3. DRH-775 97 5662

(10)

[8]

5382

[22]

5492

(24)

[9]

5752 5832

5. IR-64 92 4843 4844 4387 4968 5207

6. Local Check 97 5166 5830 4417 5271 5670

7. PA 6201 95 5261 4427 5038 5970 5198

Medium

1. PAC-835 97 5721

(14)

[10]

6311

(22)

[15]

5144 6134

(18)

[19]

5892

(18)

[9]

2. PAC-837 97 5724

(14)

[10]

6039

(16)

[10]

5194

[6]

5181 6488

(30)

[20]

3. Jaya 98 5039 5189 4928 5205 5006

4. Local check 97 4832 5123 4455 5103 4932

5. KRH-2(Hybrid check) 96 5207 5503 4898 5172 5475

Page | 11





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

*( ) yield advantage in percent over the best varietal check

*[ ] yield advantage in percent over the best hybrid check

2.5 Evaluation of hybrids under abiotic stress conditions

In general, hybrids are known to have more tolerance to abiotic stresses because of their

genetic plasticity. In order to find out the suitability of hybrids to abiotic stresses like moisture

stress (rainfed upland) and saline/alkaline soil conditions, many released hybrids were tested in

the hot spot locations to assess their performance.

Based on preliminary studies, the following hybrids were found to be promising under

different abiotic stress conditions (Table 4).

Table – 4: hybrids suitable for abiotic stress conditions

Abiotic Stress Promising Hybrids

Rainfed upland DRRH-2, PSD-3, PSD-1, KJTRH-4

Salinity DRRH-28, PSD-3, KRH-2, HRI-148,

JRH-8, PHB-71

Alkalinity Suruchi (MPH-5401), PHB-71, JKRH-2000,

CRHR-5, DRRH-2, DRRH-3

2.6 Identification of hybrids suitable for aerobic conditions

The dwindling of fresh water resources in coming years forced the researchers to develop

hybrids for water limiting situation i.e. growing rice in aerobic situation. There are no hybrids

released so far, especially for aerobic condition, however some released hybrids showed better

performance in water limited conditions.

Page | 12





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Aerobic rice is a form of water saving technology practiced without standing water and

without stress. There are several forms of water saving methods; among them are direct seeded

aerobic rice (DSAR), alternate wetting and drying conditions. It is performed with scheduled based

irrigation at different crop growth period. In an experiment conducted at DRR, Hyderabad for

AWD and control irrigated plots, transplanting was done with 20-25 days old seedlings in puddled

soil and Butachlor (1.5 kg / ha) was applied 5-6 days after planting. After 15 days of transplanting

(i.e., once crop get established) till maturity AWD plots was maintained below saturation and need

based irrigation without standing water was maintained through out the crop growth stages. The

plots were irrigated immediately when hairline cracks formed. However, a thin film of standing

water was maintained for a week during flowering period and continuing AWD cycles after

flowering till harvest. The quantity of water used for each irrigation was measured through water

meters and quantified at the end of the crop growth. Whenever there is rain it was treated as one

irrigation and excess water in direct seeded aerobic(DSAR) and AWD where drained out

immediately.

In case of direct seed aerobic rice (DSAR) is basically as like that of wheat or maize crop.

Before sowing, the field is dry prepared by plouging 2-3 times to make soil porous and fine tilth.

Even total weed killers like roundup also recommended if more ploughing is not possible. A light

irrigation (30 mm) after sowing is needed to promote emergence of seedlings. Subsequent

irrigation applications depend on the soil water status and crop requirement. Weed infestation is

a major problem, so preemergence herbicide (pendimethalin) is recommended. The

preemergence herbicide is usually effective for 3-4 weeks after application. Late-emerging weeds

can be controlled by hand weeding. Dibbling of seeds for direct seeded aerobic (DSAR) rice was

also done on the same date where nursery sowing was done for AWD and control plots. Once crop

get established the procedures of irrigation is similar to AWD conditions. The main parameters like

flowering date did not change as much, but slower plant growth, reduction in total dry matter, leaf

rolling, membrane injury, stomatal conductance have varying effects than in irrigated conditions.

In an experiment conducted at DRR, Hyderabad during Kharif 2006, highest frequency of

promising entries were recorded in hybrids (45%) followed by IR 64 introgression lines (17%),

Page | 13





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Teqing introgression lines (16%) and varieties (14%). The hybrids like KRH-2, PSD-1, DRRH-3,

DRRH-2, PSD-3 and CRHR-5 showed stable performance under aerobic conditions. Promising

entries identified are DRRH-2, DRRH-25 and ARB-16 in early (Rasi) duration, PA 6201, RWC-15,

ADTRH-1, IR 66, DRR 13B, ARB 198 in mid early (IR 64) group and CRHR-3, NDR-3026, KRH-2,

Sahyadri, HRI-126 and PHB-71 in medium (Jaya) duration group. The mean yield and percentage

promising entries identified among different group of breeding materials is given in Table-5.

Table-5: Mean yield of entries tested under aerobic condition

Type of material No. of

Entries

Five plant

Yield in grams `

Promising

Entries

Mean Range No. %

IR 64 introgression lines 140 103 60-130 24 17

Teqing introgression lines 135 106 58-129 21 16

I x J derivatives 250 92 35-115 25 10

Varieties 65 95 49-118 9 14

Hybrids 20 105 85-135 9 45

B lines 30 71 40-94 1 3

R lines 60 90 50-108 6 10

Total 700 99 35-135 95 14

Another set of experiment conducted for a period of 3 years (2008-2010 Kharif) with AYT

entries. The water saved under aerobic plots was around 30%. The comparative performance of

Page | 14





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

the genotypes under irrigated aerobic conditions is depicted in Fig. the genotypes B 644F-MR-6-0-

0, IR 7885-B1-1-1, WR-3-26, CR-691-58, VLD-16, Anjali were found promising under aerobic

conditions.

Hybrids found promising under aerobic conditions are PSD-3, DRRH-2, PA-6201, KHR-2,

DRRH-3, JKRH-401, 27P11 and Sahyadri were found promising with more than 15-20 percent yield

advantage over the respective checks.

2.7 Grain quality considerations

The cooking quality preferences vary from region to region. Rice is one cereal that is

consumed mainly as whole milled and boiled grain. The quality in rice will have to be considered

from the view point of milling quality, grain size, shape, appearance and cooking characteristics. A

hybrid should possess high turnout of whole grain (head) rice and total milled rice, with varying

length:breadth ratio (L/B) ranging from 2.5 to 3 mm and medium (5.5 – 6.6 mm) to long slender (>

6.6 mm) translucent grain, intermediate gelatinization temperature (GT) and amylose content

(AC). Besides this, high quality rices like Basmati should have length wise expansion without

increase in girth coupled with distinct aroma.

The large scale adoption of hybrid rice depends on the profitability of the technology,

which in turn depends on level of heterosis and market price of the produce as determined by

region specific grain/cooking quality requirements. Hence, quality considerations are of

paramount importance for the popularization and large scale adoption of hybrid rice in India.

Grain quality features of all released hybrids in the country are furnished in Table – 10. It is

evident from the table that most of the hybrids have grain quality features either better or on par

with that of popular varietal checks like Jaya, IR 64 and Annada which are grown in different parts

of the country. By choosing appropriate parental lines, it is possible to develop hybrids with

desirable grain and cooking quality traits as per the region specific requirement of the consumer.

Release of Pusa RH 10 - The world’s First Superfine Grain Aromatic Rice Hybrid: Using the

Basmati quality parental lines (CMS and restorer lines) developed at Indian Agricultural Research

Page | 15





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Institute, (IARI), New Delhi, the hybrid Pusa RH 10 was developed and it was released by

CSCCSN&RV in July 2001 for commercial cultivation in the irrigated eco-systems of Haryana, Delhi

and Uttaranchal (Fig. 5). It has excellent grain quality (Table 9) and is early duration hybrid,

maturing in 115 days as against 135 days taken by the best check variety Pusa Basmati 1, with 40%

higher yield. By virtue of its earliness, it is suitable for planting after the onset of monsoon without

any yield reduction and has high per day productivity. The release of Pusa RH 10 is the hallmark

achievement of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the Indian Council of Agricultural

Research.

Page | 16





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Table – 10: Grain quality characteristics of released hybrids

S.

NO

Hybrid Hullin

g

(%)

Milling

(%)

HRR

(%)

KL

(m

m)

KB

(m

m)

L/B

rati

o

Gr

ain

Ty

pe

KLA

C

(m

m)

ER W

U

(ml

)

VE

R

AS

V

AC

(%)

1 APHR-1 73.0 60.0 - - - LS - - 270 - 2.2 25.8

2 APHR-2 76.6 67.8 55.9 6.2 2.1 2.9 LS 10.

2

1.6 260 3.8 2.3 27.8

3 (MGR-

1)CORH-1

- 67.6 55.9 5.8 2.02 2.8

7

MS 9.2 1.5

8

290 4.5 - 31.4

4 KRH-1 - 63.2 61.9 6.3 2.0 3.2 LS 9.3 1.5 240 - 4.0 18.0

5 CNRH-3 77.6 70.3 51.7 5.8 2.3 2.6 MS 10.

9

1.9 220 4.5 3.5 27.5

6 DRRH-1 77.5 73.0 52.0 6.8 2.1 3.3 LS 11.

3

1.7 208 5.3 4.0 25.0

7 KRH-2 77.6 73.0 57.3 6.1 2.2 2.8 LB 12.

3

2.0 203 4.7 2.2 27.0

8 Pant

Sankar

Dhan -1

78.0 70.0 59.0 7.5 2.0 3.8 LS 9.7 - 245 5.3 3.0 23.1

9 PHB 71 79.7 71.3 58.6 6.5 2.1 3.1 LS 12.

4

1.9 223 4.7 2.4 22.8

10 CORH-2 79.0 70.9 48.0 5.9 2.3 2.6 MS 11.

3

1.9 355 4.7 4.1 25.9

11 ADTRH-1 79.1 75.0 71.0 6.6 2.1 3.2 LS 11.

4

1.7 240 5.0 4.5 24.5

12 Sahyadri 67.6 51.5 6.9 2.1 3.2

5

LS 11.

7

1.7 215 4.5 6.6 21.6

Page | 17





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

13 Narendra

Sankar

Dhan-2

78.3 70.5 46.2 6.6 2.2 3.0 LS 11.

7

1.8 238 5.0 6.1 21.2

14 PA 6201 77.2 68.0 61.0 6.0 2.1 2.8 LS 10.

9

1.8 110 5.2 2.0 24.0

15 PA 6444 80.0 74.0 64.0 6.2

1

2.06 3.0

1

MS - - - - 4.5 INT

16 Pusa RH-10 81.0 67.0 61.0 6.7

4

1.74 3.7

8

LS 1.7

8

1.7

6

- - 4.5 24.3

17 PRH-

122(Ganga)

80.0 74.5 68.5 6.7

9

2.09 3.2

4

LS - - - - 4.4 21.6

18 RH-204 79 73.6 57.0 6.4

6

2.18 2.9

6

LS - - 330 5.2 7.0 23.5

19 Suruchi 80.0 72.0 68.0 5.3

8

2.0 2.6

9

MS - - - - 5.3 23.6

20 Pant

Sankar

Dhan-3

78.8 67.3 63.8 2.1 6.9 3.2

4

LS 11.

9

1.7

2

245 3.9 6.5 20.0

21 Narendra

Usar

Sankar

Dhan-3

71.0 64.0 - - - LS - - - - 7.0 -

22 DRRH-2 75.0 73.0 63.0 6.5 1.92 3.4

LS

9.2 1.4

2

220 5.1 6.5 25.5

23 Rajlakshmi 80.0 72.0 60.3 7.4

4

1.98 4.3

7

LS 10.

0

1.5

3

255 3.7

5

5.0 26.1

24 Ajay 80.0 72.0 62.0 7.2

2

2.04 4.4 LS 10.

5

1.5

0

225 3.6 4.5 26.4

25 Sahyadri-2 78.0 70.2 56.0 7.0 2.03 3.4 LS - - - - 6.0 22.7

Page | 18





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

5

26 Sahyadri-3 78.0 74.5 60.2 7.5

1

2.2 3.3

8

LS - - - - - 24.8

27 HKRH-1 81.4 69.3 62.1 6.5

0

2.0 3.2

5

LS - - - - - 18.1

28 JKRH-401 82.0 74.0 59.0 6.2

0

2.15 2.8

8

LB - - 265 - 5.2 24.5

29 CORH-3 72.9 68.2 60.3 6.5

0

2.2 2.9

5

MS - - - 4.3 4.0 21.7

30 Indira Sona - 78.7 55.0 7.1

0

2.05 3.4

3

LS - - - - - -

31 JRH-4 - 69.2 53.4 6.2

5

2.23 2.8

0

LB - - 190 5.3 4.0 26.8

32 JRH-5 - 68.4 53.0 6.6

3

2.15 2.9

6

LS - - 190 5.3 6.0 24.6

33 PA 6129 - 74.0 63.0 6.6

4

1.75 3.8 LS - - - - 7.0 24

34 GK 5003 - 73.0 68.0 6.3 1.85 3.3 LS - - 260 - 4.0 24.3

35 Sahyadri 4 - 71.0 58.0 6.7

4

1.76 3.8

2

LS - - - - 7.0 21.4

36 JRH-8 - - - - - - - - - - - - -

37 DRH 775 79.6 73.9 64.7 6.6 1.95 3.3

8

LS - - - - 5.0 24.5

38 HRI-157 - 71.0 65 6.1

5

2.22 2.7

6

LB - - - - 4.5 24.0

39 PAC 835 - 72.35 59.6

0

5.9

2

2.05 2.9

6

MS - - - - 6.6 23.3

Page | 19





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

40 PAC 837 - 71.1 50.6

7

5.7

5

5.49 2.3

0

LB - - - - 3.8

3

25.9

41 DRRH 3 80.2 71.7 67.3 5.2

8

2.00 2.6

4

MS - - - - 4.0 23.8

42 US 312 72.1 70.0 68.0 6.1

0

2.02 2.9

5

MS - - - - 5.0 23.1

43 Indam 200-

017

- 72.3 58.9 6.1

3

2.27 2.6

9

LB - - - - 5.5 24.3

44 CRHR-32

- 71.0 51.6

0

5.4

7

2.09 2.6

1

MS - - - - 5.0 25.6

45 NK 5251

- 72.1 69.1 6.0

0

1.96 3.0

6

LS - - - - 5.0 23.2

46 27P11

80.3 72.2 62.0 5.2

2

1.82 2.8

7

MS 8.5 1.6

3

275 5.6 5.0 24.3

HRR : Head Rice Recovery; KL : Kernel length; KB : Kernel breadth; L/B ratio: Length/breadth ratio;

KLAC : Kernel length after cooking; ER : Elongation ratio; WU : Water uptake; VER : Volume

Expansion Ratio; ASV : Alkali spreading value; AC : Amylose content; GC : Gel consistency

2.8 Development of hybrids for Southern India

A perusal of the area covered under hybrids indicates that hybrids have not made a dent in

the southern region. It is because of the fact that people in southern India prefer medium slender

grained premium quality rices like BPT 5204, Ponni Mahsuri etc., but the existing hybrids are long

grained and sticky.

In order to develop and release medium slender grain hybrids with better cooking quality

on par with a popular variety BPT 5204, separate trials for medium slender grain type hybrids

were conducted for the past six years. The list of promising hybrids in advanced stage of release

with high heterotic potential and better grain quality traits is given in Table - 11. Among these

hybrids, DRRH-3, developed by DRR, Hyderabad is found to be superior both in terms of yield

advantage and grain quality traits on par with BPT 5204 (Fig. 6). Therefore, this hybrid has been

Page | 20





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

released recently for commercial cultivation in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya

Pradesh, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh. DRRH-3 is the first MS grain type hybrid released in the

country and this is a significant contribution of DRR, Hyderabad to hybrid rice technology.

Table – 11: Promising hybrids with medium slender grain quality

Hybrid

Grain yield Grain quality traits

t/ha Adv

(%)

Milling

(%)

HRR

(%)

WU

(ml) ASV

AC

(%)

GC

(mm)

DRRH-3 6.1 33 72 67 205 5.0 23.8 63

27P11 5.8 26 74 70 255 5.0 22.9 26

BPT 5204 4.6 - 72 68 200 5.0 23.4 23

Fig. 6: Comparison of 27P11 and BPT-5204 grain type

It is expected that with release of some more hybrids of MS grain type for commercial

cultivation in the southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, TamilNadu, Pondicherry and

Maharashtra where very limited area is under hybrid rice at present, will accelerate the rate of

adoption of medium slender grain type hybrids in the near future.

Page | 21





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

2.9 Resistance to insect pests and diseases

For the stable performance of hybrids across locations/seasons, it is necessary that the

hybrids should possess resistance/tolerance to major insect pests and diseases. Hence

incorporation of resistance to major insect pests and diseases is one of the major objectives of the

hybrid rice breeding programme. In addition to development of parental lines with high level of

resistance to biotic stresses, hybrids in the coordinated trials are being regularly screened for

resistance to major insect pests viz., stemborer, BPH, WBPH, leaf folder and gall midge and

diseases viz., blast, bacterial leaf blight (BLB), rice tungro disease (RTD), brown spot, sheath blight

and sheath rot through national hybrid rice screening nurseries. Table – 12 lists the released

hybrids with resistance or tolerance to inspect pests and diseases. Major emphasis is being given

now for the development of parental lines with inbuilt resistance to major pests and diseases.

Table- 12: Pest and Disease reaction of released hybrids

S.

NO Hybrid BL BLB RTV ShBL BS GLH SB BPH WBPH GM LF

1 APHR-1 MR MR

2 APHR-2 MR

3 (MGR-1) CORH-1 R R MR MR MR MR

4 KRH-1 T T

5 CNRH-3

6 DRRH-1 R

7 KRH-2 R T R

8 Pant Sankar Dhan -

1 MR MR MR MR MR MR MR

9 PHB 71 T T T T

10 CORH-2 MR MR MR

11 ADTRH-1 MR R

12 Sahyadri MR R

Page | 22





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

13 Narendra Sankar

Dhan-2 R R R R R

14 PA 6201 MR MR MR

15 PA 6444 MR MR MR MR R MR

16 Pusa RH-10 MR MR MR MR

17 PRH-122(Ganga) R MR MR MR MR MR MR

18 RH-204 R T T R

19 Suruchi R MR

20 Pant Sankar Dhan-3 MR MR MR MR MR MR MR

21 Narendra Usar

Sankar Dhan-3 R MR MR MR MR

22 DRRH-2 R R MR MR

23 Rajalakshmi MR MR MR MR

24 Ajay MR MR MR MR MR MR

25 Sahyadri-2 MR R MR

26 Sahyadri-3 R MR MR MR MR MR MR R

27 HKRH-1 R MR MR

28 JKRH-401 MR MR MR MR MR MR MR MR

29 CORH-3 T T T T T

30 Indira Sona MR MR R

31 JRH-4 R T T R T

32 JRH-5 R T T T

33 PA 6129 R MR MR R

34 GK 5003 R R MR MR MR

35 Sahyadri 4 MR MR T T T T

36 JRH-8

Page | 23





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

37 DRH 775 MR MR

38 HRI-157 MR MR

39 PAC 835 R MR MR

40 PAC 837 R MR MR MR

41 DRRH-3 MR MR T

42 US 312 R MR MR MR R

43 Indam 200-017 MR MR MR MR

44 CRHR-32 MR MR

45 NK 5251

Bold font indicates central release,

BL: Blast, BLB: Bacterial Leaf Blight, RTV: Rice Tungro virus, ShBl: Sheath Blight, BS:Brown Spot,

GLH: Green Leaf Hopper, SB: Stem Borer, BPH:Brown Planthopper, WBPH : White Backed

Planthopper, GM: Gall Midge, LF: Leaf folder, R-Resistant, T-Tolerant and MR-Moderately

resistant

2.10 Improvement of parental lines

Development and evaluation of CMS lines: Development of commercially useable CMS lines

with desirable traits is an important activity of the hybrid rice network project in India. Work on

development of region specific CMS lines is actively done by many centres. Presently 48-50

promising maintainers are at various stages of conversion program in the backcross nursery. List

of promising CMS lines developed by different centres in India is given in Table – 13.

Page | 24





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Table – 13: Promising CMS lines developed

Centre Promising CMS lines developed

DRR, Hyderabad DRR 6A, 9A, 10A, 12A, 14A, 15A

IARI, New Delhi Pusa 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 10A, 11A

PAU, Ludhiana PMS 3A, 10A, 12A, 17A

RARS, Karjat KJTCMS 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A

ARS, Ratnagiri RTN 8A, 10A, 13A, 14A

APRRI, Maruteru APMS 6A, 8A, 9A

CRRI, Cuttack CRMS 32A, CRMS 31A

Genetic improvement of restorers and maintainers: Parental line improvement program was

taken up by recombination breeding and by resorting to genetic male sterility-facilitated

population improvement. In the recombination breeding, single, three way and in complete

back crosses among restorers/ outstanding partial restorers as one group and

maintainers/outstanding partial maintainers as the other divergent group were made and

desirable segregants were selected in different generations. In the restorer breeding program

the major selection criteria were relatively tall stature, improved plant type with synchronous

tillering, lower panicle position, sturdy culm, long/heavy panicles, moderate to heavy tillering,

MS/LS grain type with intermediate amylose content, delayed leaf senescence, better pollen

production and dispersal ability. However, in the maintainer breeding program selections were

carried based on desirable traits viz., relatively short stature, improved plant type, high rate of

exserted stigma (> 30%), MS/LS grain type with better grain quality, moderate to heavy

tillering, lower panicle position and synchronous tillering and slow leaf senescence with high

number of opened spikelets. Through this program more than 1500 restorers and 500

Page | 25





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

maintainers were developed. Among the restorer breeding material, highest frequency of

restorers were found in lines derived from crosses among restorers (61 – 64%) as compared to

that of restorer x partial restorer crosses. Among the maintainer breeding lines, crosses

involving all maintainers gave higher frequency of maintainers (56-65%) as compared to

maintainer x partial maintainer crosses (35 – 44%). Through genetic male sterility facilitated

recurrent selection four new composite populations of restorers viz., DRCP 101, DRCP 102,

DRCP 103 and DRCP 140 and two of maintainers viz., DRCP 104 and DRCP 105 were developed

at DRR, Hyderabad. Large number of productive segregants with many desirable traits were

being handled by pedigree method and 500 new parental lines were developed.

Large number of parental lines developed from these programs are being regularly

utilized in the development of hybrids. The status of utilization of the new parental lines is

given in Table - 14.

Table - 14: Status of utilization of new parental lines

S. No. Status of utilization No. of

entries

1. No. of hybrids released/in the advanced stage of

release

04

2. No. of hybrids in the national trials 20

3. No. of hybrids in station trials 250

4. No. of restorers in experimental hybrid seed

production

120

5. No. of new CMS lines developed 17

6. No. of B lines in CMS conversion program 50

7. No. of breeding lines released as varieties 05

Page | 26





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Genetic enhancement for yield heterosis through exploitation of New Plant Types (NPT): Most

of the commercial hybrids now in cultivation belong to intra sub specific group (indica/indica or

japonica/japonica) and have few ancestors with narrow genetic base. The insufficient genetic

diversity is recognized as a major cause for the yield ceiling in hybrid rice that has appeared for

nearly 20 years.. Standard heterosis in these hybrids is in the range of 10-20 percent (0.75 to 1.5

t/ha) over the popular high yielding inbred varieties. One of the strategies contemplated to

further enhance the yield potential of hybrid rice is development of inter sub specific

(indica/japonica) hybrids. This strategy is based on the experience that the magnitude of heterosis

is in the order of indica/japonica>indica/javanica>japonica/javanica > indica/indica >

japonica/japonica the inter sub specific hybridization approaches utilizing tropical japonica lines

such as Akihikari, Koshihikari and wide compatibility indica donors like Dular and Nagina 22 and a

number high yielding indica rice varieties through a complex crosses, a series of NPT combining

dark green erect leaves, sturdy stem, moderate but synchronous tillering and grain number up to

250-350/panicle were developed. At present a large number of NPT derivatives in indica

background are available, some of these are being used for conversion into CMS lines and a

number of perfect restorers in NPT background have been identified. Utilization of NPT based CMS

and restorer lines in hybrid development are likely to raise level of heterosis multifold.

2.11 Two line breeding system:

The greater dependence on a single source of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) by the use

of WA system and the most difficult and laborious process of seed production and parental line

development warrant the development of alternate methodologies to exploit hybrid vigour in rice.

Two line breeding based on two new kinds of genetic tools viz., photosensitive genic male sterility

(PGMS) and thermo-sensitive genic male sterility (TGMS) systems is one such possibility. In this

system multiplication of female line is very simple, since it is multiplied as any ordinary genotype

through self pollination under fertile phase. There are no problems of alternative rows,

synchronization, supplementary pollination etc. unlike in three line system where CMS lines are

multiplied or maintained utilizing maintainer line through A x B seed production plots. China has

developed rice hybrids using this system. In India, GB Pant University of Agriculture and

Page | 27





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Technology, Pantnagar has been the first institute to develop two line hybrid UPRTGH 332 in the

country and entered in the national trial for multi location tests. Research work is also underway

at DRR, Hyderabad and TNAU, Coimbatore on similar lines.

2.12 Optimization of cultivation package

Extensive agronomical trials were conducted over the locations and seasons to optimize

the cultivation package to exploit the full potential of hybrids. Trials were conducted on seeding

dates, seed rate, nursery management, plant population, method of planting, nutrient and water

management and other related aspects. Based on the results obtained from these trials, a

generalized package has been developed which is given below (Table-15).

Table – 15: Package for cultivation of hybrid rice

Activity Requirement

Seed rate : 12 - 15 kg/ha

Seeding density (in nursery) : 25-30 g/m2

Spacing : 15 x 15 or 20 x 15 cm

Seedling/hill : One or two

Nitrogen level : 120-150 kg/ha (based on soil fertility and local

recommendation) to be given in three splits

Phosphorus & Potassium : 60:60 kg/ha. Potash to be given in two splits.

Plant protection : Need based

The package for cultivation of hybrids is more or less similar to that of high yielding

varieties except the nursery management and planting density in main field. Since the cost of

hybrid seed is higher, there is a need to economize on seed quantity used for sowing. Hence only

25-30 gm of seed per square meter is to be spread uniformly while sowing in the nursery bed.

Page | 28





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Sparse sowing is very important and it helps to obtain healthy vigorous seedlings with 3-4 tillers

within 20-25 days for planting.

Another way to economize on seed rate is to plant only one or at the most two seedlings

per hill as against 4-6 seedlings per hill planted in case of high yielding varieties. Due to sparse

seeding, the seedlings are healthy, vigorous and multi-tillered and hence even with one or two

seedlings, field establishment of the crop is very good. By adopting sparse seeding and planting of

one or two seedlings per hill, it is possible to adequately cover an area of one hectare with only

12-15 kg of hybrid seed. Split application of nitrogen and potash is also very important to obtain a

good hybrid rice crop.

2.13 Economics of cultivation of hybrid rice

With good management, yield advantage of 1.0 – 1.5 t/ha can be obtained by cultivation of

hybrids as compared to the high yielding varieties under the same set of growing conditions.

Hybrid seed cost is the only additional expenditure incurred in cultivation of hybrids. The hybrid

seed is sold generally at the rate of around Rs. 150-180 per kg. Hence Rs. 2200-2700 is spent

towards seed cost for one hectare. In case of high yielding varieties, farmers use 40-50 kg seed

per hectare obtained at the rate of Rs. 15-20 per kg. Hence additional seed cost for hybrids works

out to be about Rs. 1600-2000/- per hectare.

Additional yield obtained through cultivation of hybrids is 1.0 – 1.5 ton per hectare. At the

market price of Rs. 10,000/- per ton of paddy, additional income obtained is Rs. 7,000/- to Rs.

10,000/- per hectare. Hence after deducting the additional cost towards seed of Rs. 2000/-, the

net profit by cultivation of hybrid rice is Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000/- per hectare.

A study by Aldas Janaiah and Fangming Xie (2008) has shown that hybrid rice varieties are

indeed superior to inbred rice varieties for yield and profitability in Chhattisgarh and eastern Uttar

Pradesh. Hybrid rice outyielded the existing inbred varieties by about 36% in Chhattisgarh and

24% in Uttar Pradesh (Table 16) under farmers’s field conditions. On average, the yield gain of

hybrid rice over the existing popular inbred rice varieties in eastern India is about 30% in farmers’

fields, which is a phenomenal increase under rainfed uplands. Another important finding of this

Page | 29





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

study, is that hybrid rice grain fetched almost the same price as inbred rice grain in the markets of

Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Table 16: Average yield (t/ha) of hybrid and inbred rice varieties

State Hybrid Inbred Yield gain % Yield gain

Chhattisgarh 4.5 3.3 1.2 36.4

Uttar Pradesh 6.2 5.0 1.2 24

(Ref: Janaiah A and Xie F. 2010. Hybrid rice adoption in India: farm-level impacts and

challenges. IRRI Technical Bulletin No. 14, IRRI)

2.14 Large scale cultivation of Hybrid Rice

It is one and half decade now since the first hybrids was developed and released for

commercial cultivation in India in 1994. During 2008, hybrids were grown in area of around 1.4

million hectares (3.0% of the total rice area). Area under hybrid rice in India, year-wise for the last

ten years is given in Graph – 1.

During the first decade, adoption of hybrid rice has been much slower than expected

mainly because of lower grain quality and consequently lower market price for the produce.

However, the yield advantage of hybrids in the range of 15-20% over the high yielding inbred

varieties has been well established in the farmers’ field. The adoption of hybrid rice in the initial

years has been rather slow but steady one. It has picked up during the last five years since 2004,

mainly because of increasing popularity and profitability of hybrid rice among the rice farmers of

eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Large scale adoption of hybrid rice is

expected in these states during next decades.

Page | 30





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Hybrid rice is also picking up in Haryana and Punjab states in recent years. It is reported

from these states that less fertilizers and water are needed for hybrid rice as compared to the high

yielding varieties. The earliness of hybrids is also another advantage reported, facilitating timely

sowing of wheat crop or creating possibility of growing short duration inter crops. It is expected

that by 2010 and 2015, hybrids may be cultivated in India in an approximate area of 2.5 and 4.0

million hectares respectively.

To intensify the cultivation of hybrid rice and popularize this technology with farming

community, Government of India has recently has constituted a ‘Task Force on Hybrid Rice’ with

Dr Swapan K Datta, DDG (CS), ICAR, New Delhi, Sri Siraj Hussain, CMD, FCI, New Delhi & Sri S K

Roongta, CMD, NSC, New Delhi as members and Sri Ashish Bahuguna, Additional Secretary, Dept.

of Agriculture & cooperation, GOI, as Chairman, to develop state specific strategies for promotion

of hybrid rice cultivation to accelerate its adoption and address various constraints. The task force

started reviewing the status of hybrid rice cultivation in various rice growing states & seed

production issues and is contemplating various options to intensify the utilization of this

technology in a much bigger way in the country.

3. Hybrid Seed Production

Success of hybrid rice technology primarily depends on, magnitude of heterosis which

determines profitability, timely availability of quality seed and affordability of hybrid seed to the

farmers. Production of pure hybrid seed in self pollinated crops such as rice, at affordable price, is

Page | 31





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

a highly skill oriented activity. Through extensive trials on different components like suitable

locations, seasons, planting time, planting geometry, row ratios, GA3 application and

supplementary pollination etc., a package for production of hybrid seed was optimized. This

package was effectively demonstrated in farmers’ fields and the seed growers are following this

package with some modifications to suit local conditions. A summarized version of the package is

given in Table – 17. Cost effective seed production technology helps in faster spread of the

technology.

Hybrid Seed Production Plot

Permanent isolation barriers in DRR Farm

Page | 32





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Supplementary pollinationsTable – 17: Optimum package for hybrid rice seed

production and CMS multiplication

Activity Particulars

Seed rate “A” line or female Parent : 15 kg/ha

“B” or “R” line or male parent : 5 kg/ha

Nursery Sparse seeding (20 g/m2) to ensure multi-tillered (4-5)

seedlings in 25 days

Row ratio 2 B: 6A for CMS multiplication

2 R : 8A for hybrid seed production

Number of seedlings/hill 2 seedlings/hill for female parent

3 seedlings/hill for male parent

Spacing Male : Male = 30 cm

Male : Female = 20 cm

Female : Female = 15 cm

Plant : Plant = 15 cm or 10 cm

Page | 33





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

GA3 application 60-90 g/ha in 500 litres of water at 5-10% heading in two

split doses on consecutive days (60% on first day & 40 %

on the second day)

Supplementary pollination Four to Five times a day at peak anthesis with 30 minutes

interval during flowering phase (10-12 day period)

Roguing • At vegetative phase -

• At flowering -

• At maturity -

Based on morphological

characters of leaf and plant

type

Based on panicle/anther

characteristics

Based on grain characteristics

and percent seed set.

Seed yield 1.5 - 2.5 t/ha.

3.1 Large Scale Seed Production

India has got a strong seed sector both in public and private. However, private sector has

taken a lead in production and marketing of hybrid rice seed. More than 30 private seed

companies are taking up large scale seed production and about 10 of them possess their own R

& D set up. Large scale seed production is taken up in Karimnagar, Warangal, Nizamabad,

Kurnool and Nandyal districts of Andhra Pradesh, Tumkur, Mandya and Mysore districts of

Karnataka State and Kolhapur district in Maharashtra and Erode and Bhavanisagar districts of

Tamil Nadu state. Seventy to eighty percent of the total hybrid rice seed is produced in the

northern Telangana region (Karimnagar, Warangal and Nizamabad) of Andhra Pradesh state,

where all the leading seed companies take up their large scale seed production and the seed

growers are getting average seed yields of 1.5 to 2.5 tons/ha. Seed yields are higher in dry

(rabi) season as compared to wet (kharif) season, because the flowering period coincides with

rains during kharif season, results in poor seed set.

Page | 34





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

It is estimated that during rabi 2009-10, the hybrid seed production was taken up on nearly

14,000 hectare area and approximately 21,000 tons of hybrid seed was produced in the country.

During rabi 2010 area under hybrid rice seed production is estimated to be more than 25,000 ha.

The leading private sector seed companies are; Hybrid Rice International (Bayer Bio Science); PHI

Seeds Ltd., Mahyco, Syngenta India Ltd., Nath Biogene Ltd., Advanta India Ltd., Sri Ram Bioseed

India Ltd., Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, J.K. Agri Genetics, Metahelics Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Ganga

Kaveri Seeds Ltd., US Agri Genetics Ltd., etc. The addresses of some of these companies are given

in Appendix – II. Among the public sector seed agencies, State Seed Corporations of Maharashtra,

Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh and National Seed Corporation are taking up hybrid rice seed

production on a small scale. Initially the seed yields obtained were very low (0.3 to 0.5 t/ha), but

with experience over the years, 1.5 – 2.5 t/ha average seed yields are being obtained now. Hybrid

rice seed production in the country, starting with less than 200 tons of total production in the year

1995 has crossed 20,000 tons from 14,000 hectares in 2008 (Table – 18).

Table – 18: Progressive increase in area an production of hybrid rice seed

Year Area

(ha)

Seed

Production (t)

Year Area

(ha)

Seed

Production (t)

1995 195 200 2003 2865 4000

1996 1075 1200 2004 4350 8600

1997 1485 1800 2005 6800 12500

1998 1630 2200 2006 12000 18000

1999 1660 2500 2007 13000 19500

2000 1630 2700 2008 14000 21000

2001 1625 2900 2009 18000 27000

2002 1635 3100 2010 20000 30000

Page | 35





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

3.2 Economics of hybrid seed production

The hybrid rice seed production is fast becoming a lucrative proposition for

entrepreneurial farmers. With the average seed yield of 1.5 to 2.5 t/ha and at average

procurement price of Rs. 30 – 40 per kg, the gross returns are Rs. 60,000 – 80,000 per hectare.

The cost of seed production is around Rs. 25,000 – 30,000 per hectare. Hence the net profit by

undertaking hybrid rice seed production works out to be Rs. 35,000 – 50,000 per hectare and

hybrid rice growers are benefited substantially. Besides, hybrid rice seed production generates

additional employment for 60 – 80 person days/per hectare, particularly for rural women in

activities like supplementary pollination, rouging, etc.

3.3 Hybrid Rice seed production through public-private participation

The public sector is strong in technology generation in terms of releasing hybrids and

optimizing the technologies for seed production. However, its capabilities in large scale seed

production and marketing are rather limited. On the other hand, the private sector is quite strong

in large scale seed production and marketing. Therefore harnessing the mutual strengths of public

and private sectors in a partnership mode is the key to popularize the public bred hybrids which

are as good or even better in some cases as compared to private hybrids. Public-private

partnerships for hybrid seed production have been fructified in India recently by signing

memorandum of understanding (MOU) by some companies with few public sector research

institutes and some examples are given in table - 19.

Table - 19: MOUs with private seed companies

Hybrid Developed by MOU with

DRRH-2 DRR,

Hyderabad

Sampoorna Seeds, Pratham Biotech Limited, Neo Seeds,

Vicky’s Agri Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Charoen Pokphand Seeds

(INDIA) Private Limited., Bioseed Research India Pvt.

Ltd.

DRRH-3 DRR,

Hyderabad

DevGen Seeds & Crop Technology Pvt. Ltd., Kaveri

Seeds, Indian Foundation Seed and Services

Page | 36





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Association, Ankur Seeds Pvt. Ltd, Ganga Kaveri Seeds

Pvt. Ltd

Pusa RH-10 IARI, New

Delhi

Indian Foundation Seed and Services Association, J.K.

Agri Genetics, Nath Biogene (I) Ltd., Devgen Seed and

Crop Technology Pvt. Ltd., Zuari Seeds Limited,

Advanta India Limited, Yashoda Seeds Pvt. Ltd.,

Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Amareshwara Agri. Tech Ltd.,

Bhavani Seeds Pvt. Ltd.

PSD-1 &

PSD-3

GBPUAT,

Pantnagar

Syngenta India Ltd., Pune.

CORH – 3 TNAU,

Coimbatore

Rasi Seeds (P) Ltd, Attur, T.N.

Ajaya,

Rajalakshmi

CRRI, Cuttack Annapurna Seeds, Vikky’s Agri Sciences Pvt. Ltd.,

Hyderabad

KRH-2 UAS, Mandya Namdhari Seeds Pvt., Ltd., Bidadi, Bangalore.

Sahyadri-1 BSKKV, Karjat Syngenta India Ltd., Pune

JRH-4, JRH-5 JNKV, Jabalpur Vikky’s Agri Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad

The effective public-private partnership between IARI, New Delhi and Indian Foundation

Seed and Services Association, Hyderabad resulted in faster spread of the first aromatic rice hybrid

Pusa RH-10 in the country.

Page | 37





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

DRRH 3 signing MOU with Ankur Seeds

Besides this, private sector companies are also active in exporting hybrid rice seed to

countries like Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. It is estimated

that about of 800 – 1000 tons of hybrid rice seed is exported to the above countries annually.

3.4 Problems in hybrid rice seed production

At present large scale hybrid rice seed production is concentrated in only two districts of

Andhra Pradesh, viz., Karimnagar and Warangal. More than 80% of the hybrid seed is being

produced in this region. With increase in demand for hybrid seed, additional areas are required

for seed production. Area suitable for seed production in Karimnagar and Warangal region has

already reached saturation with almost 18,000 ha under seed production in this region during

2009. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new areas suitable for large scale seed

production in other states, beginning has already been made by initiating large scale seed

production in Nalgonda, Khammam region of Andhra Pradesh, Raichur and Bellary districts of

Karnataka, Salem and Coimbatore, districts of Tamil Nadu and Kolhapur district of Maharashtra.

Similarly, the possibilities of undertaking seed production in late kharif season or in boro/summer

season need to be explored in southern and eastern states. Possibilitiy of good quality seed

Page | 38





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

production may also be possible in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat even during kharif season,

where the rainy days are few and weather remain dry during kharif season.

Performance of public seed sector in hybrid rice seed production has not been encouraging

so far, though many good public hybrids have been released. Seed production personnel in public

sector have to be motivated to undertake large scale hybrid rice seed production. Hence the

National Seed Corporation, State Farms Corporation of India and the State Seeds Development

Corporations have to be encouraged and provided all the needed facilities and infrastructure to

take up large scale hybrid rice seed production. A change in the mindset of public sector seed

personnel will go a long way to popularize hybrid rice in the country.

Higher seed cost is another problem faced by the hybrid rice farmers. Private sector seed

companies are marketing the seed @ Rs. 150 – 200 per kg. Seed cost needs to be reduced to

around Rs. 100 – 120 per kg by enhancing the seed yield through refinement of the seed

production package.

The time gap between harvest of seed at the end of rabi season and requirement of seed

placement with the seed traders for kharif season, particularly for northern India, is too short. To

overcome this problem, the nurseries for seed production plots need to be seeded a bit early

during second fortnight of October itself and the innovative molecular marker technology for

testing the purity of hybrid seed need to be adopted so that seed lot can be released for

commercial sale as early as possible.

Though there were few problems in the initial stages of large scale hybrid rice seed

production in the country, the average seed yields obtained at present are satisfactory and are

increasing gradually over a period of time with the experience. It is possible to overcome minor

problems encountered. Hence by regular refinements in the seed production technology,

prospects for large scale hybrid rice seed production in India appear to be bright and this activity

will be very helpful to bring prosperity to the farming community in the near future.

Page | 39





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

4. Application of Biotechnological tools for hybrid rice improvement

Molecular marker technology has tremendous potential for improvement of hybrid rice.

Since the selection can be done at seedling stage, molecular markers now offer opportunities to

breeders for manipulation of multiple traits. They can be deployed for hybrid rice improvement

and thereby help in increasing the breeding efficiency. The progress of research related to

application of DNA marker technology for hybrid rice improvement in India is given below.

4.1 DNA marker based assessment of genetic purity of seeds of rice hybrids and parental lines

Genetic purity of parental lines and hybrids is of crucial importance, as one percent

reduction in purity of hybrid seed, results in a reduction of about 100 kg/ha in yield of commercial

crop. Traditionally genetic purity is tested by Grow Out Tests (GOT), based on morphological

assay. This method requires space for growing the samples drawn, considerable time till

flowering/maturity (one season) and labour for raising the crop. Seed stocks and the investments

made are locked up till the results from GOT are received. To overcome these major problems,

Directorate of Rice Research, in collaboration with Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology

(CCMB), Hyderabad has developed a DNA marker technology for rapid and reliable estimation of

genetic purity of parental lines and hybrids.

Centrifuge at 10000 g for 2 min

Treat at 100 OC for 10 min

Use the supernatant as template DNA for PCR

PCR Agarose gel

Electrophoresis

Gel documentation

Steps involved in DNA Test for assessing Hybrid rice purity

2-3 day old

seedling

Tease out shoot and root using sterile forceps

Microcentrifuge tube with 200 µµµµl of extraction buffer

Motorised pestle

Page | 40





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

This method involves isolation of DNA from 3-5 days old seedlings, setting up a polymerase chain

reaction using rice micro-satellite and sequence tagged site primers with isolated DNA,

subsequent resolution of PCR products by agarose gel electrophoresis and finally estimating the

purity of samples based on DNA banding pattern (Fig. 2 & 3). This procedure requires just 5-7 days

and more than 1000 samples can be analysed in a day. This method costs only Rs. 5.00 per

seedlings, thus for a sample of 400 seedlings as required for GOT, total expenses of only Rs. 2000/-

are needed for this molecular method. Efforts are in progress to popularize this method among

the seed companies.

4.2 Marker-assisted identification of fertility restorer genes and their introgression into parental

lines

At Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, studies of fertility restoration

in two rice hybrids showed a dominant monogenic inheritance in both F2 crosses viz., IR58025A /

IR40750 and IR62829/MTU9992. Mapping studies identified RM6100 linked to Rf4 gene on

chromosome at distance of 8.7 cM and 7 cM in the above hybrids. The marker RM6100 identified

restorer and maintainer lines with 97.5% efficiency. At Directorate of Rice Research (DRR), studies

of fertility restoration of two hybrids showed a dominant digenic control in F2 (IR58025A/KMR3)

and BC1F1 populations (IR62829A/IR10198//IR62829A). RM6100 was very close to the gene at a

genetic distance of 1.9 cM. The accuracy of the marker RM6100 in predicting fertility restoration

was validated in 21 restorer and 18 maintainers with 94.9% efficiency.

4.3 Molecular marker-assisted introgression of biotic stress resistance genes into hybrid rice

parental lines:

In an effort to improve the elite parental lines IR58025A, IR68897A, APMS6A, Pusa 6A, BCW56,

EPLT109 and PRR 78 for bacterial blight and blast resistance, the molecular markers are being

used for introgression of resistance genes in a backcross breeding programme at DRR, Hyderabad

& IARI, New Delhi. The improved lines are being screened for presence of target biotic stress

Page | 41





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

resistance genes using the linked markers and presence/absence of the major fertility restoration

gene locus Rf4 with the help of the gene-linked SSR marker RM6100.

4.4 Marker Assisted Screening of genotypes for the presence of wide compatibility (WCG) genes

The utilization of wide compatibility genes (WCG) in overcoming the partial hybrid sterility (HS)

while exploiting the inter sub-specific hybridization (indica/japonica) was further speeded up with

the development of new set of multiplex marker system at S5 locus. This system called S5-MMS

targets the functional nucleotide polymorphisms (FNP) at S5, is suitable for deployment in marker-

assisted selection (MAS) of wide compatible genotypes and for identification of allelic status at S5

in rice varieties (Fig. 9). This way many rice genotypes were identified possessing S5-neutral allele

(S5n), which could be immediately deployed in hybrid rice breeding for development of superior

inter-sub specific rice hybrids.

Fig. 9: The functional marker system S5-MMS can clearly distinguish all the three allelic states

at S5 locus

S5-MMS can clearly distinguish genotypes possessing neutral allele at S5 locus (lanes 13 to 18) from

those possessing indica (lanes 1 to 6) or japonica allele (lanes 7 to 12) and hence is highly useful for

quick identification of wide compatible genotypes and predicting the success of inter-subspecific

cross combinations based on allelic status at S5. In addition, it can also precisely discriminate indica

from japonica at this locus. Lanes 1-6: IR36, TKM6, IR64, ADT37, Jaya, W1263, ; Lanes 7-12:

Nipponbare, Akihikari, Koshihikari, Sasanishiki, Taipei 309, J84; Lanes 13-18: Dular, Nagina22,

Akshaydhan, Varadhan, RP2068, Anjali

Page | 42





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

4.5 Screening of restorer lines for presence of Rf3, Rf4 and WCG genes

Molecular markers are becoming increasingly useful in enhancing the efficiency in crop

improvement. With the availability of molecular markers linked to fertility restoration and

wide compatibility, breeding lines can be easily screened and identified as restorers & wide

compatible genotypes without any test crosses and complications associated with phenotype-

based screening. In Directorate of rice research 100 breeding lines were screened for the

presence of fertility restorer genes and wide compatible S5 neutral allele. The lines having

presence of all Rf4, Rf3 and Wc genes are presented in the following table (Table 20). These

lines could be immediately utilized in hybrid rice breeding program to exploit higher level of

heterosis.

Table 20: Restorer lines having Rf3, Rf4 and S5 neutral allele

S.No Breeding lines Alleles Present

1 KMR-3R Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

2 Ajaya-R Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

3 GQ-86 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

4 GQ-58 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

5 GQ-64-1 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

6 DR714-1-2R Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

7 945-1-2 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

8 SG 17-118-3 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

9 SG-27-175 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

10 SG-27-177 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

11 Shrabani Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

Page | 43





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

5. Technology Transfer

Hybrid rice is an innovative, readily adaptable and economically feasible technology for

Indian agriculture. There is a need to create awareness about the advantages of taking up hybrid

rice cultivation, not only among Indian rice farmers but also among the policy makers as well as

development and extension personnel at various levels. In addition to creating the awareness

about the specific advantages of undertaking hybrid rice cultivation, there is also an urgent need

to train farmers and farm women in hybrid rice cultivation and the seed personnel and seed

growers in hybrid rice seed production technology. All these activities were initiated on a smaller

scale, which need to be intensified further in the years ahead.

5.1 Compact block Frontline Demonstrations

To create awareness about the advantages of taking up hybrid rice cultivation among the

rice farmers, large number of compact block frontline demonstrations were organized across the

country. These demonstrations were organized in 16 states during the last 9 years. The salient

features from the demonstrations are given in Table - 21.

12 255 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

13 IBL 57 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

14 517 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

15 TCP-9263 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

16 111-3 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

17 611-1 Rf4+Rf3+S5 Neutral

Page | 44





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Table – 21: Frontline demonstrations organized

State Hybrids demonstrated No. of

Demonstrations

(1 ha. each)

Yield advantage

(kg/ha.)

Uttar Pradesh NSD-2, PSD-1, PSD-3

6444, PHB-71, KRH-2

1522 850-2215

Karnataka KRH-2 1240 700-1650

Maharashtra Sahyadri, KRH-2,

PHB-71, PA 6444

845 1450-2610

Andhra Pradesh PHB-71, PA 6444, DRRH-1 600 650-1170

Tamil Nadu CORH-2, CORH-3

ADTRH-1, PHB-71

890 715-1210

West Bengal PA 6444, PHB-71, KRH-2

CNRH-3

695 1020-1670

Orissa PA 6444, PHB-71, KRH-2 858 810-1050

Uttaranchal PSD-1, PSD-3, PHB-71 640 780-1155

Goa KRH-2, Sahyadri 680 1450-2370

Bihar, Chhattisgarh

Jharkhand, Punjab,

Haryana, Gujarat,

Tripura

KRH-2, PHB-71, PA 6444,

Sahyadri, DRRH-1,

PSD-3

1180 950-1870

Total 8877

Page | 45





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Almost 9000 frontline demonstrations on hybrid rice have been conducted in 16 states.

This is an on-going activity and the transfer of technology efforts are being intensified and large

number of demonstrations are being organized in many more states under the Macro-

Management scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture, which is being coordinated and implemented

by the Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad.

In 90-95% of the demonstrations organized, the hybrids have out yielded the best inbred

check varieties of the region. In few cases, due to improper crop management, hybrids could not

show the yield advantage. The yield advantage observed was high (1.5 – 2.5 t/ha) in Jharkhand,

Chhattisgarh, Maharasthra and Goa. It was moderate (1.0 t/ha) in many other states. The yield

advantage was on lower (0.5 t/ha.) in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Field days were organized at all the strategic locations and the neighboring rice farmers

were made aware of the advantage of hybrid rice cultivation. Question-Answer sessions were

integral part of field day organization. Frontline demonstrations have proved to be a very effective

tool for popularization of hybrid rice and this activity is being intensified.

5.2 Training Programs

To impart the knowledge and necessary skills for hybrid rice cultivation and hybrid rice seed

production, appropriate training programs were organized for farmers, farm women, seed

growers, seed production personnel of public and private seed agencies, extension functionaries

of State Departments of Agriculture, officials of SAUs and NGOs etc. The duration of training

program varied from 1-21 days. In all 535 training programmes were conducted throughout the

country and 15160 participants were trained. Two winter schools were organized and 47

participants were trained at DRR, Hyderabad (Table - 22).

Page | 46





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Table – 22: Training programs organized (from 1995-2010)

Theme Durat

ion

Clientele Number of

Training

Programs

Person

Trained

Hybrid rice cultivation 1 day Farmers 200 8060

Farm women 50 1300

Hybrid rice seed

production

3

days

Seed growers 90 1800

5

days

Seed production

personnel

106 2225

Hybrid rice technology 5

days

Extension workers

officials of SAUs and

NGOs

86 1710

Hybrid Rice Breeding 6

days

Breeders from Public

and Private Sector

1 18

Winter School on

Hybrid Rice

Technology

21

days

Scientists, Assistant

Professors from SAUs

2 47

Total 535 15160

Participants of HR training programme

In addition to the above mentioned national training programme, International training programs

were also organized for participants from Bangladesh, Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar,

Korea and Egypt. DRR is regularly organizing training programme for the benefit of agricultural

officers (Hybrid Production Technology) and for the personnel of seed industry on hybrid rice seed

production. Interested persons may contact [email protected] for further information in this

regard.

Page | 47





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

5.3 Inter state farmers’ visit

For providing exposure to the farmers and farm women on hybrid rice cultivation and hybrid seed

production 10 interstate farmers visits were organized and 415 farmers and farm women were

benefited by these visits. These exposure visits were organized by Mandya, Maruteru,

Coimbatore, Karjat and Karnal centers. The farmers from one state were taken to other states

where they could see and learn about hybrid rice cultivation and hybrid seed production. This

unique activity was very helpful not only to disseminate the technology but also strengthened the

human resources in the farming community.

6. IMPACT OF HYBRID RICE TECHNOLOGY

Impact of hybrid rice technology in India was assessed by two reputed independent

agencies viz., Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and Society for Management of Agri-

Rural Projects, Kanpur. Assessment of the impact was carried out in the states of Punjab, Haryana,

Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Bihar in Northern India, whereas in Southern India, it was carried

out in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Maharashtra in Western region

and West Bengal in eastern India were also covered under this study.

6.1 Salient findings from the impact assessment Study in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar

Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Bihar, Southern, Western and Eastern Indian States

• There is an yield advantage of 1.0 – 1.5 t/ha in all the five states studied by cultivation of

hybrid rice over the highest yielding inbred checks in different states.

• Additional net profit by cultivation of hybrids over the inbred checks ranged from Rs. 2,781 to

Rs. 6,291 per hectare.

• The net profit by undertaking hybrid rice seed production was of around Rs. 21,000 per

hectare, at seed yield levels of 1.0 t/ha and the farm gate seed price of Rs. 50 per kg.

• Except in the state of Punjab, farmers, researchers and extension workers were convinced that

the hybrids give considerably higher yields than the inbred varieties.

Page | 48





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

• There is some reluctance on the part of millers to offer similar price for hybrids as for the

inbred varieties in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

• The prospects of large scale adoption of hybrid rice are bright, if grain quality of the hybrids is

improved and proper policy and institutional interventions are forthcoming.

6.2 Salient findings from the impact assessment Study in Maharashtra, Andhra

Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and West Bengal.

• Net profit by cultivation of hybrids ranged from Rs. 1250/ha in Andhra Pradesh to Rs. 6000/ha

in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

• Net profit in hybrid seed production ranged from Rs. 7500/ha (AP) to Rs. 30,000/ha

(Karnataka).

• Hybrid seed production, activity generates additional employment of 65 person days/ha and

most of them are women.

• There is no adverse impact of hybrid rice cultivation on the environment.

In the process of development of hybrid rice, more emphasis should be given for market

preferences.

7. Major Challenges

Despite having great potential to enhance production and productivity of rice in the

country, hybrid rice has not been adopted on large scale as was expected. This is due to several

constraints. Some of the major constraints are;

♦ Lack of acceptability of hybrids in some regions such as Southern India, due to region

specific grain quality requirement.

♦ A few hybrids are reported to have stickiness and presence of mild aroma which is not

liked in Southern India.

♦ Moderate (15 – 20%) yield advantage in hybrids is not economically very attractive and

there is a need to increase the magnitude of heterosis further.

Page | 49





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

♦ Lower market price offered for the hybrid rice produce by millers/traders, is acting as a

deterrent for many farmers to take up hybrid rice cultivation.

♦ Higher seed cost is another deterrent for large scale adoption and hence there is a need to

enhance the seed yield in hybrid rice seed production plots.

♦ Efforts for creating awareness and for technology transfer were inadequate in initial

stages.

♦ Involvement of public sector seed corporations in large scale seed production has been less

than expected.

♦ Non-availability of hybrids for boro season and long duration hybrids for shallow lowland

conditions.

Most of the constraints mentioned above are being addressed with right earnestness

through the on-going research projects and through aggressive transfer of technology efforts.

8. Future Outlook

A good beginning has been made by ushering in to an era of hybrid rice in the country.

Development of heterotic hybrids by the researchers, large scale production of hybrid seeds by

various seed agencies and transfer of this technology to the end users by the extension agencies

must go hand in hand to have the real impact of this technology in the Indian agriculture. Though

the hybrid rice technology has been introduced to Indian agriculture, the successful large scale

adoption of this innovative technology, in future, primarily depends upon the economic

attractiveness of this technology. Rice hybrids with still higher magnitude of heterosis coupled

with better grain, cooking and eating quality and possessing resistance to major pests and

diseases are being developed.

In the special mission mode programme to bring Green Revolution in eastern India, greater

emphasis is being given for enhancing rice production and hybrid rice adoption is one of the key

components identified, as it is the eastern India, where hybrid rice technology has made an

impact. Aggressive efforts are needed to bring more area under hybrid rice by involving all the

stakeholders.

Page | 50





Ph: 91-40-24591218, 295 Fax: 91-40-24591217

Many promising parental lines with better floral traits have been developed. Seed

production technology has to be further refined to obtain average seed yields of 2.5 to 3.0 t/ha on

a large scale, so that the cost of hybrid rice seed can be reduced to Rs. 100/- kg. Top priority has to

be given to maintain the purity of parental lines and to produce high quality hybrid seed.

Involvement of seed agencies in the public sector, NGO’s and farmers cooperatives along with the

private seed sector will be crucial to meet the increased demand for hybrid seed in the years to

come. Transfer of hybrid rice technology from the research farms to the farmers’ field is as

important as developing the hybrids. Extension agencies have to play a greater role in creating

much needed awareness among farmers about the advantages of cultivating hybrid rice by various

innovative approaches.

Policy decisions of providing subsidy to meet the higher seed cost and giving minimum

support price for rice hybrids for the next 4-5 years would be very helpful to bring more area

under hybrid rice. Despite the few minor problems faced in the initial stages, timely and favorable

decisions by the policy makers and active involvement of researchers, seed producers and the

extension workers would certainly lead to successful hybrid rice cultivation on large scale in India

during coming decades. The national food security mission launched in the last year envisages

increasing of annual rice production by at least 10 million tons by the end of eleventh five year

plan by 2011-2012. Hybrid rice technology is likely to play a major role in increasing rice

production in the country. It is expected that by the year 2012 hybrids will be cultivated in India, in

3 million hectares and by 2015 hybrids are expected to cover at least 5 million hectares of the rice

area in the country, thereby contributing significantly towards national food security.

rice

Documents

introduction rice

hybrid rice research

estimated rice requirement

production network

research centres

national network

management practices

national seed corporation