Deepti, as the new red-kernelled variety is christened, is the culmination of a 12-year old research project by KAU's regional agricultural research station, Ambalavayal. It has shown higher grain and straw yields than the ruling varieties.

High straw yield is another highpoint of the variety. It reportedly recorded highest straw output of 6286 kg per hectare. The average straw output is 4000 per hectare. The culture AE-37 from Manathavady in North Kerala had proved a promising selection and was widely field-tested. This culture recorded higher grain and straw yields than the ruling varieties. Deepthi is not only moderately resistantto Udbatta, but also can weather blast disease. A pureline selection, this semi-tall variety matures in 150-160 days (seed to seed) and it lodges at maturity. According to KAU spokesman, about 80 kg seeds will be required to raise nursery for transplanting over a hectare. For direct seeding, the recommended seedrate is 100 kg per hectare.

For the transplanted crop, the seedlings will have to be pulled out when they are 35 days old. The seedlings are planted at an espacement 20 cm by 10 cm and it will ensure a crop density of 50 hills per sq metre. However, as Deepti is prone to lodging, excessive application of nitrogen should be avoided, KAU spokesman said. The usual procedures of field preparation through repeated ploughing was useful with liberal quantities of organic and green manures.