Efforts to develop rice varieties suited for direct seeding in the rainfed rice fields of Kerala at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi resulted in the development of Cul. A4-4-2, a progeny of the cross between M. 210, the dwarf mutant of the traditional tall indica rice variety PTB 10 (Pureline selection from Thekkencheera) and PTB 28 (Mass selection from Kattamodan). This was released as Harsha for general cultivation during Virippu season of Kerala. Harsha combines the drought tolerance and blast resistance of PTB 28 with the 4.5 to5 t ha^-1 high yielding ability of M. 210. The average yield is 4.5-5 t ha^-1 of grain and 4.5- 5 t ha^-1 of straw. It is resistant to the major pests and diseases prevalent during the season and possess dormancy preventing germination of grains in the panicle during heavy rains.