Agricultural Research Station, Tirupathisaram, Kanyakumari District
1.Establishment
The Agricultural Research Station, Thirupathisaram was started in the year 1976 with the objectives of evolving suitable rice varieties for different situations of Kanyakumari District, working out the package of practices for cultivation of rice varieties and to solve the problem of the farmers in cultivation of crops. Initially the station was under the control of the Director of Agriculture and then merged with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University on 1st April, 1981. This station has completed 25 years of dedicated service gifting four improved rice varieties viz., TPS-1, TPS-2, TPS-3 and TPS ( R) 4 to the farming community.
Location
The station is situated 7 km away from Nagercoil towards east on Nagercoil – Tirunelveli highway road. Kanyakumari (7 km) and Thiruvananthapuram (75 km) are the nearest historical places.
2.Mandate
- To evolve suitable rice varieties for different situations of Kanyakumari District.
- To work out the package of practices for cultivation of rice varieties and to solve the problem of the farmers in cultivation of crops.
3.Activities
Schemes in Operation
- Scheme for the establishment of Agricultural Research Station at Thirupathisaram.
- NARP-Phase – I Strengthening of National Agricultural Research Project, Nagercoil.
- Venture Capital Scheme: Commercial production of vermicompost, Azolla and elite planting materials.
b. Research Projects
| S.No. |
Projects |
1. |
Crop Improvement
1.DRES/TPS/PBG/10/004. Evolving early duration rice variety suitable for kannipoo season of Kanyakumari District
2. . DRES/TPS/AGB/09/003: Development of medium/long duration rice for Kumbapoo season of Kanyakumari District |
2. |
Crop Management
1.DRES/TPS/AGR/011/001:Permanent Manurial Experiment on rice-rice-fallow
pulse cropping system
2. DRES/TPS/AGR/012/001:Evaluation of mechanization packages for increasing the production in rice cultivation |
3. |
Crop Protection
1.DRES/TPS/AEN/08/001 :Ecology and Management of Yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas on Rice |
Crop Improvement
1. Multi Location Trial
Among the nine MLT I cultures evaluated along with check ASD 16 and ADT ( R) 45 (6667 kg/ha) cultures AD (Bio) 09505 and CB 09538 yielded 5.9 and 3.6 per cent respectively higher than the check.
Among the eight MLT II cultures evaluated along with check ADT 39 (6429 kg/ha) and ASD 16 (6190 kg/ha), cultures TM 10158 and CB 10528 yielded 5.6 and 3.7 per cent respectively higher than the best check.
2.Advanced Yield Trial
Among 25 cultures evaluated along with 5 check viz., ADT 36, ADT 43, TPS (R) 4, ASD 16 and ADT 45, the cultures TP 08003,TP 08006, TP 08051, TP 08095, TP 09049 and TP 09054 yielded more than 2.2,1.5,11.6,3.6,11.6 and 2.9 per cent higher than the best check ADT 45 (7040 kg/ha).
3. Preliminary Yield Trial
Among 51 cultures evaluated with 6 check viz. ADT 43, TPS ( R) 4, ADT 36, ASD 16, ADT 45 and ADT 39, the cultures TP 10006, TP 10007, TP 10008, TP 10009, TP 10010 and TP 10012 yielded 14.6,18.5,8.7,7.8,6.8 and 16.5 per cent higher than the best check ASD 16 ( 5722 kg/ha).
Crop Management
Evaluation of crop establishment techniques
SRI machine planting recorded maximum growth and yield than other crop establishment techniques. Among the treatments. the maximum number plant height (101 cm)t, number of tillers(28), productive tillers and maximum number of panicles/m2 (238), number of grains/panicle (218) and panicle length (26 cm) were recorded under SRI machine planting at harvest.
Permanent Manurial Experiment on rice-rice-fallow pulse cropping system
Integrated Nutrient Management significantly influenced the growth and yield characters and yield (6550 kg/ha) than inorganic and organic manure treatments.
Evaluation of mechanization packages for increasing the production in rice cultivation
SRI system of planting influenced the growth and yield. SRI machine planting- Power weeder at 10, 20 and 30 DAT influenced the growth and yield characters and yield (5950 kg/ha) which was on par with SRI Machine planting-Cono weeder at 10, 20 and 30 DAT.
Crop Protection
- Spray application of Chlorantraniliprol @ 0.6 ml/l or soil application of Ferterra @ 10 kg/ ha was effective for the management of yellow stem borer on rice.
- Raising nursery during the first week of June and last week of September in kharif and Rabi season respectively reduced the incidence of yellow stem borer on rice.
- Rice yellow stem borer pheromone trap catches showed a maximum adult moth catch of 5 moths/trap/day.
- Incidence of stem borer in rice showed maximum white ear incidence in the Pusa Basmati1as trap crop and less in the main crop TPS 3.
c. Seed production:
The following seed production is taken up at ARS, Thirupathisaram for distribution to seed production agencies and farmers.
| Nucleus seed |
1. TPS 3 |
2. TPS( R )4 |
| Breeder seed |
1. ASD 16 |
2.TPS 3 |
| Truthful Seed |
1. ASD 16 |
2. TPS 3 |
Production and Distribution of Seed (Past three years)
| Year |
Variety |
Breeder Seed (Kg) |
TFL Seed (Kg) |
2010-11 |
ASD16 |
2986 |
6521 |
|
TPS3 |
100 |
2715 |
2011-12 |
ASD16 |
- |
2743 |
|
TPS3 |
100 |
7745 |
2012-13 |
ASD 16 |
3000 |
11100 |
|
TPS 3 |
95 |
15850 |
Under the VCS scheme, the following income-based activities are being taken up
- Production of Vermicompost
- Production of Azolla
- Production of Coconut Seedlings and elite planting materials
- Rice Breeder/TFL Seed production
- Banana and Tapioca Cultivation
d. Extension
Zonal workshop
Farmers Day
On farm trials
ATMA Training |
Farmers Training
Pre Kharif / Pre Rabi training
Field Days
Field Visits
Publications
Exhibitions |
4.Achievements
a)Crop Improvement
Varieties Released
S.No. |
Variety |
Year of release |
Parantage |
Duration
(days) |
Season |
Characters |
Yield
(t/ha) |
1. |
TPS 1 |
1985 |
IR 8 Kattisamba |
110-115 |
Kannipoo |
Red bold rice suitable for direct & Transplanted condition |
5.0 |
2. |
TPS 2 |
1987 |
IR 26/ Co 40 |
130-135 |
Kumbapoo |
White bold rice |
5.0 |
3 |
TPS 3 |
1993 |
RP-31-49-2/LMN |
135-140 |
Kumbapoo |
Short bold grain white rice suitable for water logged condition |
6.1 |
4. |
TPS( R) 4 |
2006 |
TP 29/ASD 16 |
85-90 |
Kumbapoo |
Short bold grain white rice suitable for direct seeding& Kannipoo season |
6.0 |
Pre – Release culture TP 08010
| Parentage |
ASD 16 / ADT 37 |
| Duration |
118 days |
| Grain Yield |
6134 Kg/ha |
| Varieties compared and
percentage of increase in yield |
15.0, 15.0 and 4.0 per cent over ASD 16, ADT 43 and ADT 45 respectively. |
| Special features |
It is moderately resistant to stem borer, leaf folder and hoppers. It has intermediate amylose content
and soft GC. It is suitable for first season (Kar) and
late planting in second season (Pishanam) in Tamil
Nadu. It is not affected by RTD in the second season. |
b) Crop Management
- Seed rate of 100 Kg/ha and a fertilizer dose of 75 : 45 : 20 Kg NPK/ha was found to be optimum for TPS.1 under semidry direct seeding.
- Butachlor @ 2 Kg/ha on 8th DAS is sufficient for weed control.
- Plant population of 50 plants /m with 100 : 25:50 kg NPK/ha for medium and long duration varieties for Kanyakumari district.
- Application of N @ 100 Kg/ha in four equal splits for long duration varieties increased the grain yield.
- Application of FYM @ 12.5 t/ha + Azospirillum + soil test level fertilizers increased the rice grain yield.
- Application of 50% N as inorganic fertilizer and 25% through FYM or green manure and Azospirillum yielded higher grain yield besides saving of 50% inorganic fertilizer Nitrogen.
- Application of 75 % of STL base P2 05 as Super Phosphate + green manure at 6.25 t/ha + Phosphobacteria yielded maximum grain yield as equal to 100% of chemical p2 05.
- Application of FYM @ 12.5 t/ha + Azospirillum + ZnSo4 as basal and top dressing of 25% N on 25,45,60th DAT and 50% potassium on 35th and 55th DAP.
- The cropping system of Rice – Rice – Bhendi registered the highest gross return of Rs.97,710/ha. with a BC ratio of 1.93 as against Rs.63,288/ha. with a BC ratio of 1.39 in the existing cropping system of Rice – Rice – Fallow.
- Improved method of rice cultivation viz.line planting with two seedlings/hill coupled with recommended practice significantly recorded higher grain yield of 5552, 5789 kg/ha during Kharif and Rabi respectively.
c) Crop Protection
- Two rounds of spraying at booting and flowering either with mancozeb 0.2% +Neem oil 60 EC 3% or Pseudomonas.fluorescens 1 kg/ha was found effective for the control of grain discolouration in rice.
- Application of Neem cake (5kg) alone or in combination with carbendezim or carboxim @ 2 g/2.0 li. of water through root feeding controlled the Thanjavur wilt in coconut.
- Burning of rice stubbles and crop residues in the fields or Sun drying of seeds for 12 hrs over two days between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. reduced rice white tip nematode.
- Spray application of Chlorantraniliprol @ 0.6 ml/l or soil application of Ferterra 10 kg/ ha was effective for the management of yellow stem borer on rice.
5. Visitors ( VVI PS and VIPS) Remarks
| Sl.No. |
Date |
Name and Designation |
Remarks |
1 |
26.9.1984 |
Dr.V.Rajagopalan, Vice-Chanceller, TNAU, Coimbatore-3 |
An institution is being built up and my congratulations for the scientist and workers for sincere efforts with dedication. |
2 |
7.12.1984 |
Mr.K.Malaisamy, IAS, Director of Agriculture, Chennai |
I happened to make a visit of this Research Station today . I am happy to note the finding of T.P. 1974 which appears to be very much promising and proving to be acceptable to this area which is all along for such variety to replace the local Katti samba. I have to congratulate to excellent work done on this score for having met the felt need of the people of this area. Coming to the other strain TP 1334-1 for the first season, if they could avoid lodging, it will be ideal. I wish to do many more achievements. |
3 |
19.9.1985 |
Mr.N.Athimoolam, IAS, Director of Agriculture, Chennai |
I am very much pleased to visit the Research Station and to see the activities undertaken here. I should congratulate the Scientists for evolving TPS.I crop to replace the local katti samba and for their attempt to bring another variety for II crop (TP 1974). |
4 |
10.12.1985 |
Mr. J. Bredero, World Bank, New Delhi
|
An early compilation of station report will allow to draw research programme which could be reviewed and appraised by ICAR and World Bank. Let me know how we can assist you. Good luck. |
5 |
10.12.1985 |
Mr.K.N.Srikantiah, World Bank, New Delhi |
It is great pleasure to learn that the Research Scientists had addressed their research activities to farmers problems. I wish them all success in this endeavor. |
6 |
29.12.1987 |
Mr. Tranthanh Hung, Nhaho Cotton Research Centre, Thuannai Province, Vietnam. |
This is the first time to see this Rice Research station. I think it is very useful for Rice production of the state. It will contribute a lot in food problem. |
7 |
13.06.1988 |
E.A. Siddiq, Project Director , Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad |
Kanyakumari district represents a unique ecosystem by both southwest and northeast monsoons. Yield destabilising factors are specific and most of which could be technologically removed. I am happy that TNAU has, rightly recognizing the needs established an experimental research station at this centre. If the past 10 years of accomplishment are an indication, I am confident that the centre can do a lot to improve the agricultural productivity of this region. There is enormous scope to improve this centre. |
8 |
11.8.1988 |
Mr. N. Sundaradaran, District Collector, Kanyakumari |
I am really impressed by the painstaking efforts of the Staff of this Research Station . The contribution of the Research Station to the economy of the district is quite substantial. My best wishes to the staff, a dedicated lot.
|
9 |
11.10.1988 |
Mr. S.P. Ghosh, Project Director (NARP), ICAR, New Delhi |
I was happy to know more on the two varieties of rice released by this station which have been accepted widely by the paddy farmers of this zone. I congratulate the Scientists. |
10 |
07.02.1989 |
OP. Awasthi, Dean (Rtd.) Member of the Inter Discipling Team, Govt.of India, New Delhi |
Doing good job and keep it up and come up to the expectations of the farmers. |
11 |
14.3.1991 |
Mr. Inderjit, Deputy Secretary, ICAR, New Delhi |
On my first visit in this station I wish all this Scientists all success in their Agri Research programmes. |
12 |
21.7.1992 |
Mr. R.S. Duggal, Director (Works), ICAR, New Delhi |
During my very first visit to the Research Station. I am deeply impressed by the Technical programme and work, and also the progress and quality of Civil works. Considering the constraint of members of Scientists the research is really commendable. I wish the centre all success. |
13 |
19.09.1994 |
Dr. Heinten Berge, Research Institute for Agro Biology and soil Fertility, P.O.Box 14,
AA Wageningen, The Netherland |
Experimental fields very well kept and uniform. Clearly breeder dedication involved. |
14 |
8.10.1996 |
Dr.S.Ramanathan, Senior Scientist, CTCRI, Sreekariyam, Trivandrum |
The visit to the Station was very useful to the farmer to Know in detail about the paddy cultivation. The work currently in progress is very impressive and we hope the fruits of this, especially the new paddy varieties in the pipe line will help the farmers in increasing their paddy production. We wish all success to this station in the future. |
15 |
26.10.1999 |
Mr.V.Pandian, IAS, District Collector, kanyakumari |
The varieties produced by this esteemed research station viz., TPS 1, TPS2, TPS3 is so popular among farming community of Kanyakumari district and are popular even after 15 years of its birth. The Kanyakumari district agriculturalist must be deeply
in debted to this Research Institute for producing such a most suitable variety highly suitable for its climatic, economic, cultural conditions.
I wish the Research institute new heights in the years to come. My congratulations to the HOD, Associate Professor and their staff for their dedication towards Research. |
16 |
21.6.2004 |
Dr.Stephen Devadoss, Professor, Univ.of Idaho, USA |
It gives me a great pleasure to visit this Thirupathisaram Agricultural Research Station and learn about various experiments conducted for the crops rice and horticultural crops (banana, tapioca,), coconuts and pulses. I am delighted to learn about the new rice varieties/cultures. TP 1090, TP 1092. These varieties are promising for the climatic conditions of Kanyakumari district. These varieties have short duration, drought resistant, consumption quality preference. Thus, these varieties can generate remunerative revenue for farmers . This research station is also involved in improvement of jeeragasamba , a fine rice variety.
It is commendable that the research team are genuinely interested in developing new varieties and the welfare of the farmers in this district. It is such a honour and privilege to visit this station tour the research field and learn.
|
17 |
5.7.2005 |
Dr.N.M. Ramaswamy, Chairman, NMR Foundation, Coimbatore. |
Visited the fields and labs. Interesting work in TGMS. The staff under the leadership of Professor and Head work with interest to solve the location specific problems in Rice cultivation. I wish all the best for their endeavours. |
18 |
27.1.2006 |
Dr.K.Varghese, Chief Agronomist, KAU, Kerala |
I have visited the ECF fields and the research centre. The experiments are excellent and I wish all success to the research programmes. |
19 |
27.1.2006 |
Dr.K.K. Singh, Senior Scientist, PDCSR, Modipuram, UP
|
Excellent experiments being conducted at ECF, Thirupathisaram. Keep up the good work. All the best. |
20 |
27.1.2006 |
Dr.M.L. Jat, Scientist, PDCSR, Modipuram, UP. |
Small and beautiful research station with young enthusiastic team of researchers. Excellent work at farmers fields. Wish you all the best. |
21 |
18.4.2007 |
Dr.P.Muthuraman, Sr.Scientist (Ag.Extn) DRR – ICAR , R.Nagar P.O., Hyderabad -3 |
Very limited staff this RRS is doing a good job in rice research. I wish this RRS all success in its endeavor on Rice. |
22 |
29.12.2011 |
Dr.Suresh Dagada, Deputy Director
NHRDF, Coimbatore |
Very good and commendable work in rice research. I wish all success. |
Updated on Oct 2013 |
