Genetic and Agronomic Approaches for Higher Rice Productivity in Sundarbans Delta Region

Rice is the lifeline of the farming community in the Sundarbans region of the Ganges Delta. Monsoon rain-dependent rice cultivation during the wet season (Kharif; June–November) and groundwater-irrigated rice during the dry season (Boro; December–May) form the major cropping activity. Rice cultivation is challenged by several abiotic (soil and water salinity, soil acidity, drought, flood, storms, cyclones) and biotic (insects, diseases, weeds, rodents) stresses. An increase in population density, environmental stresses, and climatic hazards in the Sundarabans delta region necessitates higher productivity by deploying tolerant high-yield genotypes and adaptive management strategies. Development of high-yielding stress-tolerant genotypes requires rigorous multilocation and multiyear testing to confirm suitability. In this chapter, evaluation results of several breeding lines over locations and years are reported. Apart from the best genotypes, commensurate agronomic management strategies involving producing robust seedlings, balanced nutrition of crop and soil, and adaptive cropping systems are also required to cope with the increasing challenges as well as to achieve higher income.