Grain Rice Production
Rice farmers across irrigated ecosystems of India frequently face severe yield losses due
to two major diseases—bacterial blight (BLB) and blast. Popular fine-grain varieties
preferred for market value often lack durable resistance to both diseases simultaneously, forcing farmers to rely heavily on chemical control measures and suffer yield instability. To overcome this challenge, scientists at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research developed DRR Dhan 62, a high-yielding, fine-grain rice variety with combined resistance to both bacterial blight and blast through Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS).
A Strategic Breeding Breakthrough
DRR Dhan 62 was developed in the background of Improved Samba Mahsuri, combining premium grain quality with strong disease resistance. It incorporates:
Three major BLB resistance genes: Xa21, xa13, xa5
Two major blast resistance genes: Pi-2 and Pi54
In addition, the variety shows good resistance to neck blast, brown spot, and sheath
rot, providing multi-layered protection in irrigated ecosystems.
Performance and Agronomic Strengths
Ecology: Irrigated
Duration: 135–140 days
Average yield: 5.5–6.0 t/ha
Grain type: Medium slender
Cooking quality:
- Good Head Rice Recovery (61.2%)
- Amylose content: 26.51%
- Gel consistency: 45 mm
- Intermediate ASV (4.0)
The variety maintains the fine-grain quality preferred by consumers and fetches
premium market prices similar to Samba Mahsuri.
Farmers’ Impact and Benefits
Since its recommendation for cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, DRR Dhan
62 has demonstrated:
✔ Reduced yield losses due to dual disease pressure
✔ Lower dependence on fungicides and bactericides
✔ Stable and assured yields in endemic areas
✔ Improved profitability through premium grain quality
✔ Enhanced resilience under irrigated conditions
Farmers report improved crop confidence during monsoon seasons when disease incidence is typically high.
DRR Dhan 62 stands as a shining example of science-driven innovation translating into tangible benefits for farmers and strengthening India’s food security.
