A Farmer-Developed Rice Variety Evolved through Breeding and Long-Term Selection

A Technical Note on the Rice Variety ഗോപിക

C. Sasidharan

Farmer Breeder and Developer of GOPIKA

Pulamanthole, Malappuram District, Kerala –India

Abstract

This paper documents the development of GOPIKA, a farmer-developed rice variety evolved by C. Sasidharan of Malappuram district, Kerala. The variety originated through deliberate artificial hybridisation between two distinct rice varieties, followed by systematic, multi-generation field selection and stabilisation under farmer-managed conditions. The breeding effort was initiated in the early 2000s and involved continuous selection across successive crop cycles to achieve uniformity and consistency. The innovation later received institutional interface through the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and underwent supervised cultivation at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Pattambi, prior to registration under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, Government of India. This technical note presents the development process, field-level observations and legal recognition of GOPIKA, highlighting the role of farmer-led breeding in rice improvement.

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Introduction

Farmer-led experimentation has historically contributed to the diversification and local adaptation of rice varieties in India. Alongside formal breeding programmes, such decentralised efforts continue to generate varieties suited to specific agro-ecological and management conditions. The PPV&FR Act, 2001 provides a framework for recognising and protecting farmer-developed varieties. Systematic documentation of such innovations is essential for knowledge preservation, extension and policy support.

Background of the Innovator

Shri C. Sasidharan, a farmer from Pulamanthole village in Malappuram district, Kerala, undertook sustained experimentation in rice cultivation with the objective of evolving a variety adapted to local conditions. Working under smallholder farming situations, his efforts relied on continuous observation, deliberate crossing and repeated field selection over an extended period.

Genesis of the Variety

The development of GOPIKA was initiated in the early 2000s (around 2002). Observing limitations in commonly cultivated varieties, the innovator undertook controlled artificial hybridisation between two distinct rice varieties, reported as Jyothi and Aishwarya. This step was intended to generate new genetic recombination rather than to select from an existing population.

The progenies arising from the initial cross were evaluated over successive seasons, with selection focused on plants exhibiting desirable field behaviour, adaptability and consistency under local farming conditions.

Methodology of Development

GOPIKA was evolved through a breeding-cum-selection approach, involving:

1. Artificial hybridisation through controlled pollination between selected parent varieties

2. Raising of segregating populations under farmer-managed field conditions

3. Repeated selection across successive crop cycles based on observable agronomic traits and performance

4. Stabilisation of the selected line over multiple generations to achieve phenotypic uniformity and consistency

No recurrent hybrid seed production or backcrossing was involved once the selected line attained stability. The final product is therefore a bred and stabilised rice variety, not a commercial hybrid.

Institutional Interface

After several years of farmer-level stabilisation, the innovation received institutional interface through the National Innovation Foundation (NIF). As part of this process, GOPIKA was cultivated under supervision at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Pattambi, enabling scientific observation alongside other rice varieties and supporting formal documentation for varietal registration.

Salient Field-Level Characteristics

Based on long-term cultivation under farmer-managed conditions and observations during supervised cultivation at RARS Pattambi, GOPIKA is reported to exhibit the following characteristics:

• Medium-duration crop, maturing in approximately 120 days

• Well-filled panicles with relatively higher grain numbers

• Good grain filling and satisfactory grain weight

• Average grain yield of about 5.5 tonnes per hectare (t/ha)

• Good cooking quality and taste, as observed during evaluation

• Observed tolerance to major pests and diseases under field conditions

• Strong straw and good standability, contributing to reduced lodging

• Adaptability to local agro-climatic and soil conditions

  
  

These observations are based on field-level and supervised assessments and are presented without replicated multi-location statistical analysis.

Legal Recognition

GOPIKA was registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 as an Extant (VCK) rice variety.

Application filed: 2019

Registration granted: 2025

Registration number: REG/2019/60

The Extant (VCK) category reflects the prior existence and use of the variety before formal registration and does not relate to the method of varietal development.

Discussion

The development of GOPIKA illustrates the potential of farmer-led breeding, wherein deliberate hybridisation is followed by long-term selection and stabilisation under real-world field conditions. Such efforts differ fundamentally from simple mass or pure-line selection and contribute new genetic combinations adapted to local environments. The observations presented here are intended as documentation of process and field performance rather than definitive performance evaluation, underscoring the importance of institutional mechanisms that link farmer innovation with formal research and legal frameworks.

Conclusion

GOPIKA represents a meaningful example of decentralised, farmer-driven rice breeding in Kerala. Its development process, institutional interface, supervised evaluation and legal protection under the PPV&FR Act highlight the scientific and social value of documenting farmer innovations. Such documentation strengthens participatory approaches to crop improvement and enriches the broader agricultural research ecosystem.

Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the institutional support and scientific interface received during the course of documentation and supervised cultivation, particularly from the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi, and the National Innovation Foundation.

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Karshaka Vidyapeedam