The rice variety Ratnagiri-8 (IET 25493; RTN 28-1-5-3-2) was evolved from the cross between IR64 and Karjat 184 using former parent as female through pedigree method of selection. The above variety is midlate in duration (135-138 days in Kharif), Semi-dwarf (102-110 cm plant height). Ratnagiri 8 rice variety recorded 38.52% higher grain yield over HYV’s medium slender check Palghar 1 pooled over five years testing in Station Trial. It also recorded 10.50% higher grain yield over palghar 1 best check tested in Maharashtra State Co-ordinated Trial. Ratnagiri 8 (IET 25493) rice variety on overall basis of three years testing across the 62 locations in the country had recorded 14.80%, 7.21%, 30.37% and 1.58% higher grain yield over checks, BPT 5204, WGL 14, Zonal check and local check respectively in AICRP trials conducted during the 2015-2017. Ratnagiri 8 (IET 25493) is having medium slender grain type with translucent kernel. It has 5.4 mm kernel length, 2.0 mm kernel breadth and 2.7 LB ratio. It recorded high 75.8% hulling, 67.0% milling and 64.6% Head Rice Recovery (%). It is having intermediate amylose content (23.4%) and alkali spreading value (5.0). It is non scented with 22 gel consistency and excellent cooking qualities. In agronomical trial, the rice genotype, RTN 28-1-5-3-2 produced higher grain yield 62.03 q/ha by adopting 20 x 15 cm spacing and 120 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 + 50 kg K2O/ha as fertilizer dose, which was 36.87% higher over cultivar BPT 5204 by adopting same package of practice during kharif season. RTN 28-1-5-3-2 (IET 25493) recorded (5616 kg/ha) 37.85% increase in grain yield over check BPT 5204 (4074 kg/ha) in 22 large scale demonstrations of rice culture conducted during Kharif 2017. Ratnagiri 6 rice variety showed moderately resistant to leaf blast and bacterial leaf blight diseases and moderately resistant to stem borer, leaf folder and gall midge insect pests at endemic sites. It recorded an average yield potential of 5.0 to 5.8 t/ha. Hence considering its consistent performance, yield superiority and excellent cooking and grain quality with wider adaptability over the locations and over three years testing, Ratnagiri 8 (IET 25493) is identified for release for commercial cultivation for the zones IIIrd (Orissa and Uttar Pradesh), Vth (Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra), VIIth (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana).

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