India: Two new paddy varieties to be released in April

An insititute in southern Indian state of Pondecherry had developed two new strains of paddy, which had been named `Annalakshmi' and `Perunthalaivar Kamarajar.' These new varieties of paddy will be released on April 23. The latest arrangement of purchasing paddy directly from farmers by the Food Corporation of India, Pondicherry Agro Products and Civil Supplies Corporation (PAPSCO) and the Pondicherry Agro Services and Industries Corporation (PASIC) had resulted in procuring as much as 5000 MT of paddy so far. This was the highest purchase ever since the system of the direct purchase was introduced in January this year.