Valley harvests first Basmati crop

In a minor revolution in the agrarian history of the Kashmir Valley,the farmers in the region harvested the legendary Basmati rice for the first time this autumn.

In a minor revolution in the agrarian history of the Kashmir Valley,the farmers in the region harvested the legendary Basmati rice for the first time this autumn. The aromatic indigeneous variety of rice recently introduced in the area,scientists claim is going to change the fortunes of Kashmiri farmers so far restricted to coarse rice varieties.

Named as Pusa Sugandh – 3,this new variety has been developed by the scientists of Sher – e – Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology (SKUAST) after a four year trial period. The first crop maturing last week marks a new phase in Kashmir s rice production. After successful trials for four years,this year we introduced Pusa Sugandh – 3 across the Valley on a limited portion of land, Associate Director Research,SKUAST,Shafi Ahmad Wani said. We are happy that this variety of aromatic rice showed good results, he said adding that from next season,the university is planning to introduce this variety of paddy on a major portion of land. By now,farmers are being provided seed of this new Basmati variety free of cost. But,the time will soon come when farmers will be making a beeline for the seeds.

Till date Valley farmers were only growing course varieties like K-39,Jehlum,Chenab ,Kosar,Shalimar -1 and K -332 and shied away from cultivating Basmati varieties of paddy fearing paddy blast diseases. However,the newly developed variety,scientists claim is disease free and is adaptable to the Kashmiri climate.

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Wani emphasised that the Pusa Sugandh -3 was not only disease-free but also gave a similar yield to coarse varieties. While coarse varieties sell for rupees 20 per kilogram,this new aromatic variety will fetch around rupees 60 per kilogram, he said.

Kashmiris are known for their lavish celebrations and with each passing year the demand for Basmati or aromatic varieties of rice is growing. Presently,thousands of tons of Basmati rice are being imported from different parts of the country.

This year,we cultivated indigenous variety of Basmati on a very limited area. But,in the next five years,I am sure we will start importing Basmati to other states, he said. To up-lift our economy,the farmers can easily replace coarse varieties with the new Basmati, he said.

Vice Chancellor SKUAST Prof Anwar Alam said the new Basmati Rice variety would be multiplied at a large scale for adoption in Kashmir . We are always trying to help the farmers in terms of enhancement of their production and productivity and this new variety is going to enhance the source of livelihood of Valleys farming community, he said.

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The introduction of this variety is going to give a boost to farmers who were in some cases having to sell their land at throwaway prices. We cultivated Basmati on an experimental basis and its production was promising, said Ghulam Nabi Bhat,a farmer in Budgam district. Next year,I am going to double production as I have my own seed now, he said.

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