- Problem /need addressed by technology developed:
Most of the traditional paddy varieties were conserved by farmers for the following purpose (i) Traditional paddy varieties show resistance against pests and diseases (ii) Traditional paddy varieties withstand drought and flood under field condition (iii) Most of the traditional paddy varieties possess medicinal properties and consumed for home purpose. Since these varieties are conserved by farmers, the characteristics of each variety and parentage are not documented by departments and universities. Due to this limitation, these varieties are not under notified category. Hence in order to make clear cut demarcation about each variety, we need to document the varieties with specific characteristics under field condition.
- Description / specification of technology developed:
During samba season 2014, two locations were selected for growing traditional paddy varieties viz. Experimental Farm, Sukkankollai Village, Kanchipuram District and Farmer Field, Agani village, Nagapattinam District. Totally 103 traditional paddy varieties were grown in 1 cents area. The crop is in flowering stage. Details about the following characteristics were documented:
- Duration
- Soil type
- Pest and disease – Resistant
- No of tillers
- Plant height
- Colour
- 1000 g weight
- Medicinal purpose….etc.
- Number and location of trainings given to operate / use technology developed:
Totally 89 students from various universities and 40 farmers visited Sukkankollai farm and viewed traditional paddy varieties.
- Number / units of technology developed disseminated in the field as part of core support programme:
As a replication, a orientation about importance of traditional paddy varieties were conducted during July 2014 at Vedaranyam. More than 200 farmers participated in the programme. As a follow up, 3 tonne quantity of traditional paddy varieties were procured and distributed to the farmers of Vedaranyam and Sirkazhi Taluk. Totally 112 acres were under cultivation and 86 farmers were involved in cultivation. Number of varieties grown
(totally 13 varieties) – Mappillai Samba, Seeraga Samba, Sivappukuruvikar, Kuzhiyadichan, Varappu Kudainchan, Salem Samba, Illupaipoo Samba, Kallurundai, Kitchili Samba, Vadan Samba, Sooran Kuruvai, Vallarakkan and Kavuni