Research on 600 local paddy varieties

The Bathalagoda Paddy Research and Development Institute has successfully conducted research on 600 local paddy varieties out of approximately 2000 to 3000 traditional varieties produced locally.

These varieties known as Suduru Samba, Suvanda Samba, Pachcha Perumal, Kalu Heenati, Kalu Baala Wee, Rath-el, Suvandel, etc. have been identified as special varieties capable of withstanding environmental disabilities and insect borne diseases while being superior in hygienic qualities and consumer taste.

With the expansion of chemical fertilizer usage, the paddy plants tended to be taller unproportionately resulting in a decrease in harvest. Some times, the plants lost resistance to changing weather conditions.

Research work conducted by the Bathalagoda Paddy Research Institute recently has found remedies to overcome disadvantages of this nature and bring back the normal resilience and normal height of the plants. Further research work are in progress to promote a healthy cultivation of the traditional paddy varieties, states a media release by the Central Information and Media Unit of the Department of Government Information.