Biotech Updates

IRRI Distributes Rice Seeds in Flood-Ravaged India

August 29, 2012

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) donated seeds of Swarna-sub1, a flood tolerant rice variety to the flood-hit state of Assam in Northeastern state of Assam in India. Fondly called "scuba" rice, because of its ability to survive under water for up to two weeks, Swarna-Sub1 has been widely adopted across eastern India, but had yet to reach the state of Assam.

The 2 tons of Swarna-Sub1 seed donated to Assam by IRRI will be used for seed multiplication during the upcoming boro season from around November to May – ensuring many Assam farmers will have access to flood-tolerant rice next year.

See IRRI's news release at http://irri.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=12268%3Aspecial-rice-gift-arrives-in-flood-ravaged-india&lang=en&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter.