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Direct Seeded Rice Gains Traction in El Niño Year: HT Basmati Varieties Save 30% Water, Cover 120,000 Acres

AgricultureEnvironmentScience & TechHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
05 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:24.1% below normal rainfall30-35% water saving10,000 acres (2025)100,000 acres (2026)40,000 acres (2025)120,000 acres (2026)
Bodies:Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI)Savannah SeedsRiceTec Inc.Bayer CropScienceRallis IndiaShriram BioseedMahycoSeedWorks InternationalKaveri SeedPioneer Hi-BredPan SeedsYashoda Hybrid SeedsLeadbeter Seeds
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What This Article Covers

1.DSR technology eliminates puddling and transplanting, saving 30-35% water and reducing labour dependency.

2.IARI developed Imazethapyr-tolerant basmati varieties (Pusa Basmati-1985, 1979) through non-GM mutation breeding.

3.Farmer adoption is surging: HT basmati area projected to jump from 10,000 acres (2025) to 100,000 acres (2026), with non-basmati HT hybrids covering 120,000 acres.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

With a 24.1% rainfall deficit in the 2026 monsoon due to El Niño, direct seeded rice (DSR) using herbicide-tolerant (HT) varieties is emerging as a climate-resilient practice, saving 30-35% water and reducing labour costs. Over 120,000 acres are expected under HT-DSR in 2026, driven by IARI-bred basmati and private sector hybrids.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Rainfall deficit (till July 5)24.1% below normal
Water saving with DSR30-35%
HT basmati area 202510,000 acres
HT basmati area forecast 2026100,000 acres
Non-basmati HT hybrids area 202540,000 acres
Non-basmati HT hybrids area 2026120,000 acres

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Rainfall deficit (till July 5): 24.1% below normal
  • ›Water saving with DSR: 30-35%
  • ›Target this Data: 24.1% below normal monsoon rainfall (till July 5, 2026) – El Niño impact.
  • ›Target this Institution: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) – developed HT basmati via mutation breeding.
  • ›Target this Technology: Imazethapyr herbicide-tolerant rice – non-GM mutation breeding (ALS gene mutation).

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which institute developed the Imazethapyr herbicide-tolerant basmati varieties Pusa Basmati-1985 and Pusa Basmati-1979?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding direct seeded rice (DSR) and herbicide-tolerant (HT) varieties:

1. DSR eliminates the need for puddling and flooding of fields.

2. Imazethapyr is a pre-emergent herbicide applied within 72 hours of sowing.

3. Pusa Basmati-1509 and Pusa Basmati-1121 are Imazethapyr-tolerant varieties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what was the projected area under the two HT basmati varieties in 2026?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary advantage of using Imazethapyr-tolerant rice varieties in DSR?

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