The Paddy Breeding Station (PBS) of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, has bagged the ‘Best Plant Breeding Centre for Rice Award’ for its overall performance in rice varietal development.

The Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad, has identified the PBS here from among the 107 Rice Breeding Stations in the country for this award.

The TNAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr Murugesa Boopathi, said some of the landmark varieties that triggered the growth of rice production in the State were released by the PBS here.

The first variety of this station — GEB 24 (Kichili Samba) — released in the early 20s, played a significant role in the development of rice cultivars over the years, not only in India but also at the global level.

Other noteworthy rice varieties released by this station include the blast-resistant CO 4 and CO 25, inter-specific cross derivative CO 31, semi-dwarf varieties CO 37 and CO 38, high-yielding long duration variety CO 40, salt tolerant CO 43 and CO 47. The recently released CO (R) 48 and CO (R) 49 are fine grain rice varieties that cater to the current market demand, he said.

The PBS has so far released 50 rice varieties starting with GEB 24 to CO (R) 50, which was released in 2010. A fine grain rice hybrid, CORH 4 was released in 2011.

Both CO (R) 50 and CORH 4 have been identified for national level cultivation.

The thrust is now on evolving high-yielding, pest and disease resistant rice varieties and hybrids using conventional and biotechnological tools, say farm varsity sources.

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