Telangana Sona Choice Of Farmers And Consumers

A focus is being laid on extensive cultivation and promotion of RNR 15048, the fine-grained blast-resistant paddy variety, popularly known as ‘Telangana Sona’.

This fine paddy variety was mentioned by CM K Chandrashekhar Rao during the ongoing Assembly session. Since then it had not only made its mark in the domestic market but is also making inroads into neighboring States. And this paddy variety can be raised with less water consumption and when cultivated in about one-lakh hectares, it saves 10-11 tmc water when compared with other rice varieties.

A study by the National Institute of Nutrition a few months ago found that Telangana Sona contains a low Glycemic Index (GI) of 51.5% compared with the popular BPT 5204 rice variety (GI of 56.5%). This has made it a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers.

Considering the benefits and advantages of cultivating it, many farmers are evincing interest in raising this paddy variant. As per the current cultivation is expected to increase considerably. As against paddy cultivation in a total of 23 lakh hectares during Kharif and Yasangi seasons in the State, Telangana Sona variety alone is being cultivated in about 7 lakh hectares and it also being cultivated in more than 7 States.

Developed by Hyderabad-based Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Telangana Sona gained acceptance due to its unique grain size, high head rice recovery, high yielding potential, good cooking quality and also robust blast resistance characteristics. The paddy variety was also aimed to enable farmers to overcome recurring problems associated with the delay in monsoon and deficiency in rainfall, besides reaping good harvest with low investment.