World Bank project promotes Premium Quality Rice in Joha variety

The World Bank financed Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART) is promoting Premium Quality Rice (PQR) particularly the Joha through market led demonstrations.

This is supported by Best Management Practices (BMPs) and technical advisory of International Rice Research Institute.

The demonstrations are being carried out by the Department of Agriculture and Assam Agricultural University (AAU) with scientific Package of Practices (PoP).


Joha rice is grown in Sali/ Kharif season.

Major Joha varieties included in this are Kola Joha, Keteki Joha, Bokul Joha, Kunkuni Joha.

APART stated that the project provides seeds; fertiliser and need based pesticides to the beneficiary farmers in the integrated crop management demonstrations and learning centre demonstrations, whereas, in mini kits only seed is provided to the farmers.

A total budget of integrated crop management demonstrations is Rs 6000 (0.3ha), whereas the budget for the learning centre demonstrations is Rs 31000 including a field day/crop show at the time of harvesting. In the market, the cost of seed varies from Rs 50-60/ Kg.

It further stated the seed of premium quality rice varieties given in non-chronic flood affected areas to the beneficiary farmers is of good quality. The seed of traditional rice varieties is not certified so the beneficiary farmer can sell this as seed in the informal way, from one farmer to other leading to horizontal spread of seeds.