In Tamil Nadu, the Samba season corresponds to the Tamil month of Aadi, meaning paddy sown in August and September and harvested in January and February. During this period, as there is consistent rainfall, long-duration rice varieties are cultivated.
Typically, varieties with a maturity period of 150-160 days are considered ideal for this season. This period is suitable for rainfed paddy cultivation. Seedlings are raised using the southwest monsoon and transplanted in Aippasi and Karthigai months (October and November) utilizing the northeast monsoon.
During this season, long-duration varieties such as ADT 44, Ponmani (CR 1009), CR 1009 Sub 1, BPT 5204, BY 4 (Javakar), and ADT 51 are extensively cultivated.
ADT 44
This variety matures in 150 days and can yield up to 6,500 kg per hectare. Each 1,000-grain weight is 23.9 grams, with the grain being thick and round. The rice is white in color, and the crop is of medium height. It is resistant to diseases like sheath blight, green leafhopper, stem borer, and brown spot, as well as leaf roller pests.
Ponmani (CR 1009)
Maturing in 155-160 days, this variety yields an average of 5,300 kg per hectare. Each 1,000-grain weight is 23.5 grams, with the grain being thick and round. The crop grows tall and the rice is white. It is resistant to blast disease.
CR 1009 Sub. 1
Selected using genetic marker techniques, this variety can withstand submergence for up to 15 days post-transplantation. It matures in 151 days and yields 5,759 kg per hectare. It shows moderate resistance to leaf spot, sheath blight, blast, and white-backed planthopper pests. The rice is short and stout, making it ideal for idli preparation due to its high starch content. This variety can be cultivated as an alternative to CR 1009.
BPT 5204
Known as Andhra Ponni or Samba Masuri, this variety matures in 150 days and yields an average of 6,000 kg per hectare. The grain is medium-thin and white. The crop is of medium height and is ideal for cooking rice. It is resistant to sheath blight and is suitable for low-lying rainfed areas.
BY 4 (Javakar)
Maturing in 150 days, this variety can yield up to 6,600 kg per hectare. Each 1,000-grain weight is 24.8 grams, with the grain being long and round. The rice is white and the crop is of medium height. It is resistant to bacterial leaf blight, brown leaf spot, tungro virus, leaf sheath rot, leaf roller, and stem borer pests.
ADT 51
Maturing in 155-160 days, this variety is developed from a cross between BPT 5204 and improved white Ponni. It can yield 6,500-7,000 kg per hectare. The grain is long and thin, making it ideal for cooking rice. It has a high resistance to pest and disease attacks, requiring no pesticides. With a milling percentage of 70.3%, 100 kg of paddy yields 70.3 kg of rice. This variety is extensively cultivated during the Samba season and serves as an alternative to CR 1009.
Dr. A. Gobikrishnan, Agricultural Research Station, Virinjipuram, Vellore District. Dr. T. Balaji, Agricultural College and Research Station, Vazhavachanur, Tiruvannamalai District. Dr. P. Veeramani, Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur, Salem District.