ICAR scientists and local farmers participate in a Field Day showcasing newly released high-yielding rice varieties in Nagaland.
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 30 (MExN): Seven newly released rice varieties developed by the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, have received an encouraging response from farmers during field day programmes organised at Jalukiekam and Shokhuvi villages on October 29.
The field days showcased the performance of Hornbill Gold 308, Patkai Pearl 131, Sekrenyilha 138, Ahunakhi 395, Moatsutssok 189, Tokhutsok 171 and Aoleang Tahwan 295, which have high yield potential and shorter maturity periods.
At Jalukiekam, farmers expressed satisfaction with the performance of Patkai Pearl 131, which has a potential yield advantage of 30-40% over locally cultivated varieties. Its early maturity was particularly welcomed by farmers as it allows rice to be harvested earlier, leaving sufficient time for the cultivation of Rabi crops and vegetables.
Farmers identified toria, broccoli, field pea and potato as potential crops to be cultivated after the rice harvest, offering opportunities to increase cropping intensity and generate additional income. They also expressed willingness to continue cultivating Patkai Pearl 131 in the next cropping season.
During the programme, Dr Harendra Verma, Scientist at ICAR Nagaland Centre, explained the characteristics and advantages of the newly released varieties, including their high yield potential, early maturity, drought tolerance and disease resistance. He encouraged farmers to adopt improved rice varieties suited to local agro-climatic conditions, stating that these could help increase productivity while allowing timely cultivation of subsequent crops.
At Shokhuvi, farmers also responded positively to the newly released varieties and expressed interest in continuing their cultivation in the coming season.
Dr C Aochen, Senior Scientist at ICAR Nagaland Centre, interacted with farmers and highlighted the benefits of adopting early-maturing, high-yielding varieties. He pointed out that shorter crop duration would allow farmers to cultivate Rabi crops after harvesting rice, thereby improving land-use efficiency and creating additional income opportunities.
A total of 41 farmers participated in the field day programmes at the two villages. The ICAR stated that the response highlighted the potential of improved, early-maturing rice varieties to promote diversified farming systems in Nagaland by combining higher rice productivity with opportunities for subsequent Rabi cultivation.
