SKUAST scientists investigate early panicle initiation in K-332 rice variety in B’la

Srinagar, July 27: A team of scientists from the Agriculture faculty at SKUAST-K Wadoora conducted an investigation in Baramulla to understand the factors behind the early panicle initiation in the recommended K-332 rice variety.
As per the report of faculty of Agriculture SKUAST-K Wadoora, the scientist visited Saloosa and Kalantra along with officers of line departments to take the assessment of early panicle initiation.
It said that during the visit the scientists and the concerned officers recorded their observations and gave recommendations for the farmers.
Regarding Saloosa village the scientists observed that rice seedlings of 40 days old were transplanted on June 08 2023 as reported by the farmer.
“Poor agronomic practices were followed particularly in terms of nutrient and water management and the field was found completely under aerobic conditions,” the observations said. The team observed 60-70 percent panicle initiation.
At the Saloosa village the team recommended that rice seedlings up to 30 days should be transplanted for optimum yield and it recommended farmers to immediately irrigate the field.
Similarly, regarding Kalantra the tea, observed that rice seedlings of 40 days old were transplanted on 12-13 June 2023 as reported by the farmer.
“On visit to the field the team observed 15-20 percent panicle initiation. Poor agronomic practices were followed particularly in terms of nutrient and water management,” the report said.
At Kalantra village, the team recommended that rice seedlings up to 30 days should be transplanted for optimum yield. “The team recommended the farmer to irrigate the field followed by an immediate top dose of application of Urea 2kg/kanal of land,” the report added.
Agriculture officials said they have reported instances of premature panicle initiation in various villages of Budgam district. This development has raised concerns among farmers who fear a potential decline in crop yields.
Agriculture officials said the early panicle initiation can be attributed to multiple factors, notably climate change and abiotic stress.
“This year heavy rains delayed the transplantation of paddy saplings. Unfortunately, some farmers from the periphery areas opted for paddy saplings from lower belt regions, which is not advised,” they said.
In the previous year, the paddy transplantation used to be done in May, however this year it was delayed to ending June due to rains which as per officials is also a reason for it.
They suggested that the farmers should sow only recommended paddy varieties in their respective areas so that they can reap the exact produce in the land.