Farmers report doubling of rice yields with bumper harvest using SR-4 seed variety
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By Arif Rashid
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23 Sep 2025
Srinagar, Sept 23: Farmers in the Kashmir Valley who have cultivated the Shalimar Rice-4 (SR-4) seed variety have reported a doubling of their crop yields, leading to a bumper harvest from their fields.
Rouf Ahmad, a farmer from Wanabal Rawalpora, told Rising Kashmir that he cultivates six kanals of land near the Nowgam bypass. This year, he opted for the SR-4 seed variety, supplied by the Agricultural Department of Budgam district.
"This is the first time we have changed our rice seed. Despite flooding in August, our crops remained undamaged," he said.
Rouf added that SR-4 is well-suited for farmers in the lower belts and plain areas of the Kashmir valley, which influenced his decision to plant this variety. As a result, he has seen his crop yield double.
Hilal Ahmad from Yall village in the Tangmarg area also adopted SR-4. His family cultivates ten kanals of land, and after hearing about the benefits of this variety, he chose to plant it this season.
"This year, despite the heatwave and flood-like conditions in the valley, our rice plants were unharmed. Our production has increased from 50% to 100%," he said.
He added, "Farmers using SR-4 have benefited significantly. Previously, we relied on traditional seeds. Farmers in the plains or lower belts of the Kashmir valley should consider adopting this seed for better yields."
Another farmer, Asif Ahmad from Chater Gul in Ganderbal district, shared his experience: "I used SR-4 rice seed on my land and saw excellent results. Our village is at a high altitude, and SR-4 has performed well under various weather conditions. I purchased the seed this season from SKUAST-K and plan to try SR-5 next year. Developed by SKUAST-K, SR-4 is recommended for farmers in the low plain and lower belt regions of the Kashmir Valley."
Tahir Ahmad, an agricultural officer from the Department at Beerwah, said, "The SR-4 rice variety has boosted agricultural productivity and increased farmers' incomes across several areas of the Beerwah subdivision. I have received positive feedback from farmers who have adopted this variety based on our recommendations."
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