Emoinu Phou makes mark as HY variety

Taorem Bishwajit
IMPHAL, Mar 20 : With technological advancements in agriculture, Emoinu Phou (CAU-R5) has gained popularity as a high-yielding paddy variety.
Developed by the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, Emoinu Phou was created by cross breeding the Tamphaphou (CAU-R1) variety with the indigenous paddy variety Akhanphou.
Leishangthem Rajen, a farmer from Thoubal Leishangthem Leikai who has been cultivating Emoinu Phou for years, told The Sangai Express that he also produces the seeds of this paddy variety in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, CAU.
The farmer shared that he has noticed significant changes after switching from Tamphaphou to Emoinu Phou.
He explained that planting Tamphaphou on a sangam of land (a local unit of land measurement) yields around 40 bags, each weighing 70 kg.
In comparison, planting Emoinu Phou on the same land area produces about 50 to 55 bags of the same weight, he said.
Rajen stated that Emoinu Phou produces more seeds than Tamphaphou, making it more productive.
He also said that Emoinu Phou has superior taste.
The farmer mentioned that many farmers come to purchase Emoinu Phou seeds from him for planting.
He also stated that he sends the seeds to CAU as well.
Rajen said that he earned around Rs 1 lakh from selling Emoinu paddy seeds last year.
Professor Th Renuka, Lead Breeder of Emoinu Phou at CAU, explained that the role of plant breeders is to develop high-yielding and resilient varieties.
She noted that Emoinu Phou was developed by crossing Tamphaphou with the indigenous variety Akhanphou.
She also stated that Emoinu Phou has stronger stems compared to Tamphaphou paddy and is more high-yielding.
Emoinu Phou is also resistant to drought and various pests, she said.
The story is written under the Award in Scientific Journalism Programme of CAU, Imphal.
For further details, please contact Dr Indira Thounaojam, Information & Publicity Officer, CAU Imphal, at [email protected].