Evaluation of Agro-Morphological Traits and Yield Performance of the Rice Variety Kudrat 5 under Field Conditions in Uttarakhand, India
Introduction: This study evaluated the performance and adaptability of the farmer-developed rice variety 'Kudrat 5' under the agro-climatic conditions of Uttarakhand, India, by comparing it with three indigenous traditional landraces (Tilakchandan, Hansraj and Dhania) to identify high-yielding alternatives for regional agricultural productivity. Methodology: Farmers' Participatory On-Farm Trials (POFTs) were conducted across six locations in Udham Singh Nagar district during the 2018 and 2019 Kharif seasons under standard agronomic management. Morpho-agronomic traits, yield attributes and grain-quality parameters were recorded, and the data were analysed using a Randomised Block Design (RBD). Results: 'Kudrat 5' outperformed the check varieties across major growth and yield traits. It exhibited a plant height of 134.57 cm, the highest number of nodes per plant (4.53), the maximum leaf width (1.86 cm) and a shorter maturity period (138.33 days). Yield-attributing traits were superior, with longer panicles (28.25 cm), a higher number of primary branches per panicle (16.27) and the maximum number of grains per panicle (258.37). Consequently, 'Kudrat 5' recorded the highest thousand-grain weight (27.17 g) and a higher grain yield (55.83 q/ha) than the check varieties. It also demonstrated desirable grain-quality traits, with the longest paddy length (9.42 mm) and cooked kernel length (10.25 mm), indicating suitability for extra-long slender grain markets. Conclusion: The rice variety 'Kudrat 5' demonstrated early maturity, high yield potential and desirable grain quality. Its performance and adaptability under regional field conditions indicate that it may be a viable alternative for rice growers in Uttarakhand.