The present investigation for genetic variability was made based on the data recorded for sixteen yield and yield contributing quantitative and qualitative characters in twenty one rice genotypes using statistical tool.There are significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters under study showed by analysis of variance. Among the characters, higher estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) were observed for the traits number of spikelet per panicle, no of filled grains per panicle, grain weight per panicle(g) and grain yield/ha (kg). This indicates the existence of wide genetic base among the genotypes taken for study and higher possibility of genetic improvement through selection for these traits. Heritability was higher for all the characters except tillers per plant, spikelet fertility per cent and panicle length (cm). Thus, selection based on phenotypic values would be effective for these traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for the characters; days to first flowering, days to 50 per cent flowering, number of filled grains per panicle, number of spikelet per panicle, grain yield per plot (kg), grain weight per panicle (g), grain yield per plant (g), 1000 grains weight (g), grain zinc content (ppm) and grain yield/ha (kg). These characters indicate the predominance of additive gene effects in their expression and would respond to selection effectively as they are least influenced by environment which can be improved through simple selection.

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