The ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, has signed an MoU with Bioseed Research India, Hyderabad, for commercial seed production of late duration rice hybrid, CR Dhan 701. The MoU was signed in Hyderabad in the presence of Dr. JS Chauhan, ADG (Seeds & FFC), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Dr. Trilochan Mahapatra, Director, ICAR-CRRI. The move will support spread of hybrid seeds in the coming years.

ICAR-CRRI has developed three rice hybrids, namely Rajalaxmi (CRHR 5), Ajay (CRHR 7) and CR Dhan 701 (CRHR-32), of which Ajay and Rajalaxmi are for cultivation in irrigated ecology, whereas CR Dhan 701 is for shallow lowland ecosystem. The maturity duration of these hybrids are 130, 135 and 142 days, respectively. These hybrids are becoming popular, and private seed companies are coming forward to take up production and marketing of hybrid seeds under MoU on non-exclusive basis. CRRI has so far signed 26 MoUs with private seed companies under public-private-partnership mode for the benefit of the farmers.