In response to the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, the Indian government is advocating for the development and adoption of herbicide-tolerant (HT) rice genotypes. This initiative was highlighted during a brainstorming session organized by the ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research in collaboration with the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) at AP Shinde Hall, NASC, Pusa, New Delhi.
Herbicide-tolerant (HT) rice genotypes are varieties of rice that have been genetically engineered or selectively bred to withstand specific herbicides. This allows farmers to use these herbicides to control weeds without harming the rice crop itself.
The discussion stressed the necessity of developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new technologies like herbicide-tolerant (HT) rice to ensure quality seed production and effective crop management. It also focused on the challenges of managing herbicide-resistant weeds and emphasized the importance of developing resilient crop varieties.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions that an organization uses to ensure that routine tasks are completed efficiently and consistently.
The session highlighted the emerging threats posed by weeds to agriculture and noted the significant losses caused by weed competition, which can reduce productivity by 15-90%. It was emphasized that herbicide-tolerant rice genotypes hold great promise for enhancing rice cultivation, particularly in the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) system.
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The critical role of effective weed management in improving crop productivity and ensuring environmental sustainability was underscored. The implications of climate change on weed accumulation were also addressed, particularly in conservation, natural, organic, and regenerative agriculture practices. It was stated that weed management is vital for quality seed production and for preventing the spread of weeds into new areas.
Additionally, there was a call for a comprehensive weed management framework, warning of significant productivity losses due to weed infestations. An integrated approach combining traditional, mechanical, and chemical methods was advocated, emphasizing that a technologically innovative and holistic approach aligned with broader agricultural policy is essential for resource optimization and enhanced productivity.
The event culminated in the release of a book titled “Weeds: Impacts on Indian Agriculture and its Mitigation Strategies,” which aims to provide valuable insights and strategies for effective weed management.
The session attracted around 100 participants, including scientists, industry professionals, and students from various organizations. Notable attendees included Dr. AK Singh, former Director of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute; Prof. Deepal Pental, former Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University; and Dr. NT Yaduraju, former Director of ICAR-DWR. Their contributions enriched the discussions on the future of weed management and crop productivity in India, along with insights from Dr. DK Yadava, Dr. Rajbir Singh, Dr. J.S. Mishra, Dr. Ajay Rana, Dr. S.K. Choudhari, and Dr. P.K. Singh, who collectively emphasized the importance of effective strategies in agriculture.