Context:
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) scientists have raised objections and called for action against Pakistan as it has officially registered India’s high-yielding Pusa Basmati varieties.
Pusa Basmati varieties originally developed by IARI:
- PB-1121 – Known for the extra kernel length of its grains.
- PB-1509 – Matures in 115-120 days as against the 135-145 days of other high-yielding basmati varieties.
- PB-1847, PB-1885 and PB-1886 (Improved versions of PB-1509) – Known for resistance to bacterial blight and rice blast fungal disease.
Legal protection:
- Notified under – Seeds Act, of 1966 (Prohibits the export and import of seeds of notified varieties for sowing or planting)
- So far 34 varieties of Basmati rice have been notified under the Act.
- Registered under – Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 (Allows only Indian farmers to sow, save, re-sow, exchange or share the seeds of any registered varieties.)
Basmati Rice Production in India:
- Cultivated mainly in – Himalayan foothills
- Leading states – J & K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttarakhand
- Export Status – India is the leading exporter of Basmati Rice in the world.
- Major Export destinations – Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, U.A.E and Yemen
Basmati Rice:
- Basmati Rice – Long-grain aromatic rice variety
- Also known as – ‘Scented Pearl’
- Climate Requirements – Require prolonged sunshine, high humidity and assured water supply.
Related Article: Kalanamak Rice
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
“The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost -free days and 50 to 100 centimetres of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.”
Which one of the following is that crop?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Cotton
(b) Jute
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Tea
Answer: (a)
