New Sigappi paddy variety developed by Annamalai UniversityHome

The International Rice Research Institute recorded its appreciation for the release of this new variety of paddy called Sigappi.

Cauvery delta region, considered to be the granary of Tamil Nadu, is prone to many natural calamities like uncertain monsoon rains, periodical floods etc. Under these circumstances, a new rice variety named “Sigappi” has been developed by researchers at Annamalai University to get better yields under submerged conditions. It is 150-154 days under irrigated condition and is ideally suited for samba (khariff) season in Tamil Nadu.

Better yield :
T“With the North East Monsoon affecting the livelihoods of small and medium farmers of Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Thanjavur districts, this semi dwarf, erect, and non–lodging variety gives higher productivity of 3.4 tonnes per hectare even if fields get submerged in water during monsoon for 10-12 days continuously,” says Dr.RM. Kathiresan, Professor, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University.

Being similar to the traditional popular variety called Ponmani, released nearly a decade back, the Sigappi variety has white coloured short and bold grains, is best suited for making idli and dosa and fetches a good price.

It is also found to be resistant to leaf folder, stem borer and moderately susceptible to green leaf hopper, brown spot, rice Tungro disease and rice blast, according to him. “The main reason for developing an alternative variety to Ponmani for Samba season was a long felt need among delta farmers.

In these regions the choice among rice varieties with fine grains that suit the requirement for lunch purposes are comparatively more than the options for rice varieties that suit tiffin purposes (idly and dosa making) with bold grains and better dough making quality, and Sigappi variety suited well,” explains Dr. Kathiresan.

Source : : Annamalai University