New rice variety introduced in Manipur

IMPHAL, April 22: A high yielding new variety of rice has been introduced during a function at the Moirang Thangjing Temple Complex today. Ex-deputy speaker L Ibomcha and Moirang Thanjing Phamnaiba A Amuyaima were the chief guest and president of the function. The new variety of rice named Ayang Lairembi Phou will be first cultivated at the fields of Moirang Thangjing before it is released for public cultivation. Speaking at the occasion, A Jugindro, Director Bio Research cum Extension Services said the Ayang Lairembi Phou is a variety well suited for the State. The around 100 cm tall variety has smooth stem and multiplies moderately. The harvesting period is between 135 to 140 days and the closely pattern bunch bears around 200-300 grains with very little chaff. One Sangam can yield around 25-30 bags and one half bag produces 21 kg of rice he added. The new hybrid of Moirang Phou and RP 8-9 variety of Andhra Pradesh's Warangal is the product of 7-8 years of intensive research and efforts, he said. Jugindro during his tenure as Deputy Director in the Agriculture Department had introduced Punshi and Phouoibi varieties in 1979, he informed. In 1998, he invented Leima Phou and Aphut Phou and Joychandra Phou. He is presently engaged in the research of Chahao Poireiton variety.