High-Yielding Rice Varieties Boost Delta Paddy Farming
Recent developments in rice cultivation have introduced two new short-duration varieties, ADT 59 and ADT 53, developed by the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI), Aduthurai. These varieties offer advantages over traditional rice strains in the Cauvery delta region. Their traits include high yield, salinity tolerance, improved nutritional content, and pest resistance. Farmers are adopting these varieties to enhance productivity and profitability in challenging agro-climatic conditions.
ADT 59 – Features and Benefits
ADT 59 is a bold-grain rice variety with a maturity period of 110-115 days. It yields 15-20% more than conventional varieties such as ADT 37 and ASD 16. Farmers have reported harvests up to 4,000 kg per acre under Kuruvai conditions, compared to the typical 2,500 kg per acre. This variety requires only half the conventional fertiliser input, making it cost-effective. It is non-lodging and well-suited to the delta’s soil and climatic profile. Its bold grains are preferred by procurement centres, increasing returns for farmers.
Salinity Resistance and Pest Management
ADT 59 performs well in saline conditions common in delta regions. It shows strong resistance to key pests and diseases, including stem borers, blast, and brown leaf spot. This resilience reduces crop losses and reliance on pesticides, improving sustainability. The variety’s suitability for direct sowing also simplifies cultivation practices.
Nutritional and Culinary Qualities
This variety contains 19.4 mg of zinc per 100 grams, enhancing its nutritional value. The short, bold grains are ideal for traditional South Indian dishes like idli and dosa. The recommended rice-to-black gram ratio of 6:1 produces soft, firm batter with less grain input but higher output. Thus, ADT 59 supports both health and culinary preferences.
ADT 53 – Characteristics and Advantages
Released in 2025, ADT 53 matures in 105-110 days. It surpasses the earlier ADT 43 variety in yield and grain quality. Suitable for Kuruvai, Kodai (summer), and Navarai seasons, it offers flexibility for different cropping cycles. The variety has a milling capacity of 62% and a rice recovery rate of 65%. It is rich in zinc and iron, addressing micronutrient deficiencies. ADT 53 is a hybrid derived from ADT 43 and JGL 384, combining desirable traits from both parents.
Impact on Delta Agriculture
The introduction of ADT 59 and ADT 53 is transforming paddy farming in the Cauvery delta. These varieties improve productivity, reduce input costs, and enhance grain quality. Their adoption supports farmers’ income and food security. The focus on short-duration, high-yielding, and nutrient-rich varieties aligns with sustainable agricultural goals in delta regions facing climate and soil challenges.
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