KNM 7048 – a high yielding, early maturing long bold PJTAU rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety suitable for the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra

The present investigation aimed to address the key breeding challenges including achieving early maturity without yield penalty, incorporation of resistance to major diseases and enhancing milling and cooking quality in rice. The promising high yielding long bold rice variety KNM 7048 (IET 28332), released as Telangana Rice 6 during the year 2022, was developed at the Agricultural Research Station, Kunaram, Telangana. This genotype was derived through the pedigree breeding method from the cross KPS 3219/KNM 118. It is an early duration (115–120 days), semi-dwarf variety with moderate tillering and well-suited to irrigated ecosystems. The variety exhibits semi-compact panicle with well exerted branching attitude, long bold, awn less, and straw-coloured grains with low shattering. KNM 7048 demonstrated a mean yield of 5726 kg ha⁻¹ across multi-location trials over three years with 18.49% yield advantage over the national check, and has a high yield potential of 7500–8000 kg ha⁻¹ under optimal agronomical conditions. This variety displayed intermediate amylose content (23.11%) and high head rice recovery (69.8%) making it attractive to both consumers and millers. It also exhibited moderate resistance to leaf blast and sheath rot. Adapted to irrigated conditions during the kharif season with its superior grain yield, enhanced quality, and moderate disease resistance, this variety is recommended for cultivation in Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra where it represents a promising new option for improving rice production and grain quality in these regions, thereby potentially boosting productivity, farmer incomes, and national food security.