15 Dec 2025
The Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences (KSNUAHS), Shivamogga, has received an encouraging response for its newly developed fine-grain red rice variety, Sahyadri Sindhura, with requests pouring in from the Governor’s office, ministers, and elected representatives, reflecting growing interest in nutritionally enhanced and high-yielding rice varieties.
Developed by a research team led by Dr. B.M. Dushyantha Kumar, Director of Research at the university, Sahyadri Sindhura was formally launched earlier this month by Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy. Since the announcement of its key attributes—including high protein, iron, and zinc content and a low glycaemic index—the variety has attracted strong demand from farmers, consumers, and policymakers alike.
Outcome of Rigorous Research
The development of Sahyadri Sindhura followed five years of rigorous multi-stage research. The variety is a cross between the popular Jyothi and Biliya rice varieties and matures in about 120 days.
Initial trials were conducted in demonstration plots at the university campus in Shivamogga. Subsequent phases expanded cultivation to the irrigated Bhadra command area, the Malnad region, and later to Davangere. In the final stage, the variety was tested across multiple research centres throughout Karnataka. The rice has since been registered with the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi.
According to Dr. Dushyantha Kumar, field trials recorded yields of 53–54 quintals per hectare under irrigated conditions, significantly higher than traditional varieties, which typically yield 40–45 quintals per hectare. “Farmers can expect yields of around 50 quintals per hectare, making it a strong performer in both productivity and quality,” he said.
Agronomic and Economic Advantages
The research team noted that Sahyadri Sindhura shows resistance to blast disease and tolerance to major insect pests, including leaf folders and stem borers, reducing the need for chemical interventions. Additionally, the variety produces high-quality straw, which is valued as fodder, adding to farmers’ overall returns.
Both the university and early adopters among farmers are currently selling the rice at ₹70–₹80 per kilogram. “Consumer response has been extremely positive. The rice has good taste and strong health appeal,” Dr. Dushyantha Kumar said, adding that seeds have already been supplied to Tamil Nadu, Goa, and other regions where farmers have shown interest in cultivating the variety.
Farmer Feedback
Farmers who have adopted Sahyadri Sindhura have reported promising results. Sitaram Bhat, a farmer from Sagar taluk, who cultivated the variety organically in Hosanagara, said the yields were significantly higher than traditional rice grown under organic conditions. “Traditional organic varieties yield about 11–12 quintals per acre, whereas this new variety gives 18–21 quintals per acre. We are selling the rice at around ₹75 per kilogram, and demand continues to grow,” he said.
With its combination of nutritional benefits, higher yields, pest resistance, and market acceptance, Sahyadri Sindhura is being viewed as a potential game-changer for both farmers and consumers, particularly in regions seeking healthier rice alternatives and sustainable farming options.