In Madurai district, Rice is the major crop which is cultivated nearly on 55,983 ha in rabi season (Sep- Oct). In this season, very old and most disease susceptible variety BPT 5204 is predominantly used by Madurai farmers which has become susceptible to attack of insect pest and diseases. To overcome this problem, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Madurai has conducted on farm testing (OFT) on alternative rice variety for BPT 5204 during 2018-19. Five trials were laid out at Velliyankundrum and Thirukanaivillages of Madurai. Varieties used for comparison with BPT 5204 were CO 52 and TKM 13. The parameters like percent disease incidence (PDI), productive tillers, duration and yield (q/ha) were recorded. The results revealed that the rice variety TKM 13 recorded the lowest PDI (5.29) compared to control BPT 5204 (18.63), number of productive tillers was also higher (15) in TKM 13 and thus higher (58.3q/ha) yield was recorded as compared to control (52.3q/ha). It was concluded that, farmers were satisfied with Rice TKM 13 variety due to lower pest and disease incidence and higher yield.

The study of breeding cold tolerant varieties in rice is essential to reduce yield loss, for which information on various traits that contribute to tolerance is necessary. Identification of new genetic sources for cold tolerance is very important for which effective, low cost screening techniques are essential.