Farmers in flood-prone regions of Karaikal have a new solution to combat crop loss due to waterlogging. The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute (PAJANCOA & RI) has developed KKL (R) 4, a flood-tolerant rice variety specifically suited for the thaladi season (October–November). This variety has been designed to withstand submergence during the critical tillering phase, which occurs between 35 and 80 days after planting.
With recurring instances of unseasonal rains leading to significant crop damage, this innovation offers a practical solution for farmers, ensuring higher yields even under adverse conditions. Researchers believe that widespread adoption of flood-resistant rice varieties like KKL (R) 4 could significantly reduce the financial strain on farmers and make rice cultivation more resilient.
Tackling Crop Losses in the Delta Region
Unpredictable rainfall and waterlogging continue to be major concerns for farmers in the delta region, where the loss of samba and thaladi crops due to floods is a recurring issue. Many farmers have faced delays in receiving compensation for their losses, increasing their vulnerability to financial distress. To address these challenges, researchers at PAJANCOA & RI have been working on developing rice varieties that can survive extreme weather conditions.
According to Dr. S. Thirumeni, Head of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, the newly released flood-resistant varieties have shown remarkable tolerance to submergence during trials. He emphasized that encouraging farmers to cultivate these varieties will help them safeguard their crops against prolonged rainfall and flooding. The aim is to equip the farming community with climate-resilient alternatives that can reduce dependency on compensation schemes and ensure stable production.
Also read: New Research Offers Solutions to Rice Yield Gaps in Eastern India
The KKL (R) Series: Advancing Climate-Resilient Agriculture
KKL (R) 4 is the latest addition to a series of climate-resilient rice varieties developed by PAJANCOA & RI. These varieties were created as part of the “From QTL to Variety” project, an initiative supported by the Union government. The breeding strategy focuses on Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs), which are genetic markers associated with traits like flood and salinity tolerance. By identifying and utilizing these genetic traits, researchers have been able to develop rice strains that can thrive in challenging environments.
The previous releases in the KKL (R) series have already demonstrated their effectiveness in different climatic conditions. KKL (R) 2, introduced in 2022, requires 135 to 145 days to mature and has a potential yield of 6.8 tonnes per hectare under normal conditions, while still delivering 3.8 tonnes per hectare in flooded conditions.
KKL (R) 3, released in 2023, is specifically designed to tolerate salinity, making it ideal for kuruvai season. It matures in 110 to 115 days, producing 6.5 tonnes per hectare in normal conditions and 3.5 tonnes per hectare in saline environments. The newly launched KKL (R) 4, designed for thaladi season, can be harvested within 120 to 125 days and provides a yield of 6 tonnes per hectare under normal conditions and 4 tonnes per hectare when submerged.
Government Support and Future Adoption
The introduction of these resilient rice varieties aligns with the larger objective of promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. Dr. A. Pouchepparadjou, Dean of PAJANCOA & RI, highlighted the importance of integrating climate-resilient crops with sustainable farming techniques. He stressed that farmers must adopt these improved varieties to counter the growing threats of climate change and extreme weather conditions.
The government is also closely monitoring the performance of these varieties. R. Ganesan, Puducherry’s Additional Director for Agriculture, stated that large-scale trials are being conducted on farmers’ fields. Based on their success, the department plans to recommend these varieties for wider adoption across the region, ensuring that more farmers can benefit from their resilience to floods and saline conditions.
A Promising Future for Farmers in Flood-Prone Areas
The launch of KKL (R) 4 marks a significant step toward securing the livelihoods of farmers in flood-prone areas. By offering a reliable alternative to conventional rice varieties that often fail under extreme weather conditions, this innovation has the potential to transform rice farming in Karaikal and beyond. If adopted on a large scale, these varieties could help stabilize rice production, reduce dependence on government relief funds, and ensure food security despite the increasing challenges posed by climate change.