Performance of selected traditional rice varieties under Namsai conditions of eastern Himalayas

The traditional rice varieties were evaluated for furnishing complimentary and climate adopted high yield crop to the district farmer. The selected rice varieties maintain food production and security in the district. An experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of the Arunachal University of Studies to assess the performance of selected traditional varieties of rice. Twelve traditional varieties of rice from Arunachal Pradesh as well as from other states (viz., Anjali, Hauska rice, Namsai Local, Gandhakasala 1, Khamti Lahi, Sali, Ambing, Taker, Gandhakasala, Bora, Bihari Dhan and Jeerakasala) were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications during Kharif season of 2020. The varieties differed significantly for all the growth and yield parameters studied. The growth parameter of Tillers per hill (31.3) and plant height (97.13 cms) were observed in the Khamti Lahi, whereas the number of tillers (11.83) and the plant height (62.97 cms) were recorded by Ambing and Namsai Local respectively. The crop duration was seen in Bora (90 days), followed by Ambing and Namsai Local (100 days), and in Jeerakasala (138 days), Gandhakasala 1, Sali and Gandhakasala (137 days). The yield was reported in Khamti Lahi (1.81 kg/6 sq m and 130.67 days duration) followed by Sali (1.74 kg yield and 100.67 days duration) and Ambing (0.58 kg yield and 103.33 days duration). The yield of short duration variety like Bora (90 days duration and yield of 1.10 kg/plot), and Taker (103 days duration and 1.23 kg yield) were reported to introduce double production for overcoming farmer's crop problem. The correlation analysis showed that plant height, duration of vegetative phase, productive tillers and grains per panicle are the major factors contributing to yield, and these characters are important in a selection programme. The investigation also suggests further studies on utilization of scented or specialty rice varieties and possibility of genetic improvement of traditional varieties to enhance their productivity.