Palampur: Two new varieties of paddy, offering high yield and resistance to blast disease, have been introduced in Himachal Pradesh. The announcement came from Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur. Vice Chancellor Prof. Naveen Kumar shared the news and praised the work of scientists at the Paddy and Wheat Research Center, Malan. He noted that these varieties were built using modern farming technology. Yet, they are designed to solve real problems faced by farmers.
Prof. Kumar stated the varieties will help secure the state’s food needs. More importantly, they will cut crop losses caused by blast disease. This disease remains a major challenge in paddy farming across Himachal Pradesh. Blast disease, triggered by the fungus Magnaporthe grisea, damages paddy leaves, stems, and panicles. The result is a sharp drop in crop yield. Since paddy is the main crop in ten districts of the state, tackling this issue has been a top priority.
The new paddy strains — Him Palam Dhan-3 (HPR-2865) and Him Palam Dhan-4 (HPR-3201) — have now received approval from both state and national committees. They are cleared for cultivation in the hill regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Him Palam Dhan-3 is a medium-height variety. It yields long, thick grains and produces 38–40 quintals per hectare. Him Palam Dhan-4, also medium in height, gives long, slim grains similar to Basmati. Its average yield is 40–42 quintals per hectare. Both varieties mature in 120 to 130 days. This makes them a strong fit for local climate conditions. Their development involved years of scientific study, ongoing field testing, and strong farmer involvement. Key benefits include high yield, early maturity, disease resistance, and grains that are attractive for the market. These traits help farmers earn more with less risk. Prof. Kumar added that farmers will save money on chemical treatments. The disease resistance of the new varieties lowers input costs. It also supports sustainable and eco-friendly farming in the region.
