Why in News?

• A new variety of paddy named ‘Sahyadri Megha’ has been developed by the University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (UAHS), Shivamogga (Karnataka).

Need of a New Variety of Rice:

• The area under paddy cultivation was declining at a faster rate in the state of Karnataka.
• This is due to the fact that paddy has been widely becoming vulnerable to blast disease and other infestations. E.g: Jyothi Rice Variety.
• Also, Paddy growers are switching over to commercial crops like arecanut, ginger and rubber for better returns.
• Demand for Red Rice:Demand by customers in urban areas for red rice which is rich in fibre and protein.
• The red variety gets its rich colour from an antioxidant called anthocyanins, which are also found in deep purple or reddish fruits and vegetables.
• The compound is believed to have properties that can reduce inflammation, allergy, prevent risks of cancer and help in weight management.

About Sahyadri Megha:

• It was developed under the hybridization breeding method by cross-breeding the best among the ‘Jyothi’ variety with that of ‘Akkalu’, a disease-resistant and protein-rich paddy variety.
• Sahyadri Megha is a red variety of paddy that is resistant to blast disease and rich in nutrients.
• The new variety will be notified under the Indian Seed Act 1966 shortly after which it will become part of the seed chain.
• The protein content in it is 12.48%, higher than the other red rice varieties grown.

What is Blast Disease?

• First recorded in India during 1918.
• It is caused by fungus Pyricularia grisea (P. oryzae). Also known as rotten neck or rice fever.
• Expected Grain Loss : 70 to 80%.