Budgam, Oct 16: KVK Budgam, KUAST-K, organized Rice Field Day in collaboration with NSP, SKUAST-K at Lobrin. About 30 ST farmers participated in the program and expressed their satisfaction about performance of Shalimar Rice- 4 (SR-4) variety.
Farmers assured the scientists that they will distribute the seed of SR-4 to other farmers of the village necessary for horizontal spread of this high yielding variety.
This will boost the paddy production in the area and improve the income of farmers. The Nodal officer NSP, Prof. Asif Shikari interacted with the farmers and expressed his satisfied with the performance of the variety in the mid altitude (1860m amsl) of district. He encouraged the farmers to avail the opportunities under AICRP and underscored the role of various technologies in bridging the yield gaps. He also stressed on the importance of Fodder oats for augmenting fodder production in the area.
Prof and Head, KVK Budgam, Dr. Bilal Ahmad Lone reaffirmed that he along with his team is commited for the upliftment of farming community by providing technical guidance and critical inputs to farmers. About 5 q of oats seed (Shalimar Fodder Oat-1) was also distributed among the farmers of Lobrin and Dalwash under AICRP Tribal Sub Plan on seed crops . This event will help in promoting the double cropping system (Rice-oats) in the mid altitudes of district. The other scientists including Dr. Ambreen Nabi, Dr. Sabia Akhter, Dr. Khurshid Ahmad Zargar and Dr. Iram Farooq, supporting staff and media persons were also present during the programme.
