Vikram TCR: A Paddy Variety Yielding More in Less Time and with Less Water

Per hectare yield potential: 60–70 quintals; Crop matures in 125–130 days, Seed being cultivated on 67 hectares

Shorter height makes it resistant to strong winds and storms

Raipur, Sept 2025 : Rice is a water-intensive crop. Once the crop matures, it is also vulnerable to damage from storms or heavy rains because of its tall panicles. To address these challenges, the Agriculture Department has developed a special variety of paddy seed. This new variety, named Vikram TCR, delivers higher yields in less time. It has a per hectare yield potential of 60 to 70 quintals and matures within just 125 to 130 days, thereby reducing water consumption.

According to Mr. Mordhwaj Dadse, Deputy Director of Agriculture in Bemetara, Vikram TCR is shorter in height but delivers higher yields. Its shorter stature makes it resistant to lodging even during strong winds and storms, unlike other varieties of paddy. He informed that seeds of this new variety are being cultivated on 67 hectares in the district. For the first time, farmers in the tribal village of Jhalam have also taken up seed production of this variety. The produced seeds will be sold by farmers to the State Seed Corporation at premium prices and made available for cultivation to other farmers in the district next year.

Mr. Dadse further shared that last year, seeds of the aromatic rice variety CG Devbhog were produced on 16 hectares. This year, alongside CG Devbhog, seeds of Vikram TCR are being produced in larger quantities. As a result, Bemetara district will become self-reliant in producing seeds of new varieties, offering farmers safer, more profitable, and less water-intensive crop options. Agricultural experts believe that Vikram TCR will not only strengthen the financial condition of farmers but also play an important role in water conservation. The Agriculture Department’s initiative is being seen as a major step towards modern and sustainable farming in Bemetara.

It is noteworthy that all development blocks in Bemetara district have been declared Red Zone by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in view of water scarcity. While Saja block is categorized as semi-critical, Bemetara, Berla, and Nawagarh blocks are classified as critical zones. Given this situation, for farmers, farming alone is not enough—water conservation has become equally essential. These new paddy varieties are expected to prove highly useful in ensuring water conservation and crop security.