TN govt to popularise new MGR 100' high-yielding rice

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government will popularise among farmers the cultivation of 'MGR 100', a new high-yielding fine rice variety brought out by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). In the initial phase, its cultivation would be taken up in ten districts, Agriculture Minister R. Doraikkannu told the Assembly on Tuesday.

Winding up the discussion on the demand for grants to his department in the Assembly, he said Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami had on Nov. 29, 2017 released this new rice variety brought out by TNAU. “During the current fiscal, it has been planned to produce seeds for MGR 100 by establishing demonstration plots in ten districts with the participation of farmers. The seed production would be initiated under the direct supervision of the agricultural experts,” the Minister informed.

 Further, the ryots would be provided the technical skills to raise this crop. About Rs 1.19 crore has been allotted for this purpose, Mr. Doraikkannu said.

 The TNAU had released 'MGR 100' to commemorate the birth centenary of former Chief Minister and AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran, in Thanjavur. The new variety is the rechristened with the nomenclature CO 52, which is a derivative of the cross involving BPT 5204 and CO (R) 50.

 The new rice variety developed through marker-assisted pedigree breeding, combining quality, yield and blast resistance features of the two popular varieties, matures in 130 to 135 days.

 The Minister who made a slew of announcements informed that about Rs. 3 crore would be spent on raising green manure crop in about 50,000 acres this year.

 Also, in an effort aimed at honouring farmers who raised traditional paddy varieties, the government would confer the Bharat Rathna Dr. MGR Traditional Paddy Conservation Award, to three best farmers.