CR Dhan 807: India's First Non-GMO Herbicide and Drought Tolerant Non-Basmati Rice Variety

CR Dhan 807 is a variety of rice, developed by ICAR-NRRI in Cuttack, Odisha, and released by CVRC in 2023. It is a non-GMO herbicide-tolerant non-basmati rice variety that addresses key challenges faced by farmers in direct-seeded rainfed upland areas across states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat.

CR Dhan 807: Genetic Makeup

• CR Dhan 807 is the result of meticulous marker-assisted backcross breeding from the popular rice mega variety Sahbhagidhan. 

• It incorporates a herbicide tolerance gene (AHAS) sourced from the donor parent Robin (INGR 19002, N22 mutant). 

• This genetic enhancement allows the rice plants to withstand herbicide (Imazethapyr) application, enabling effective weed control while ensuring crop safety and productivity.

Target Areas

• Designed specifically for direct-seeded rainfed upland areas, CR Dhan 807 is suited to grow in environments prone to variable rainfall and limited water availability. 

• Its adaptation to these conditions makes it a resilient choice for farmers seeking reliable crop performance amidst unpredictable weather patterns.

Agronomic Benefits

• CR Dhan 807 matures within a relatively short period of 110-115 days, making it suitable for regions with shorter growing seasons. 

• Under optimal conditions, it achieves an average yield of 4.2 tons per hectare. Even under drought conditions, it maintains a commendable yield of 2.8 tons per hectare, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

• Beyond its agronomic benefits, CR Dhan 807 contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with rice cultivation. This not only aligns with global efforts towards climate resilience but also supports farmers in adopting practices that mitigate environmental impact.

• One of the key features of CR Dhan 807 is its ability to support complete mechanization of rice cultivation. By reducing the dependency on manual labor, it significantly cuts down labor costs and labor shortages, which are common challenges faced during traditional transplanting methods. 

• Additionally, the variety requires 25% less fertilizer compared to traditional practices, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing environmental impact.

As India's first non-GMO herbicide-tolerant non-basmati rice variety, CR Dhan 807 marks a significant innovation in agricultural biotechnology. Its introduction is none other than an example of scientific innovation that can address pressing agricultural challenges while promoting economic viability and environmental sustainability.