Sustainable food production system and food security in rainfed areas of eastern India through drought tolerant rice varieties

Abstract

The challenge of growing crops in water scarcity and frequent occurrence of drought has been identified as the key to low rice productivity in rainfed ecosystems of eastern region, threatening food security. Because of absence of drought tolerant varieties, farmers in rainfed ecosystem continue to grow traditional varieties, leading to high yield losses. Adoption of high yielding, good quality drought tolerant rice varieties Sahbhagi dhan, Shusk Samrat, CR dhan 40, Vandana, Anjali, NDR 97, NDR 118, Naveen and Indira Barani dhan will play proactive and decisive role in developing sustainable food production and lead for food security among farm families in the stress (water scarcity) prone areas of eastern region of India. In case of total failure of monsoon, farmers are advised to adopt alternative contingency plan, which help in sustainable food production and food security in this region.