Dimapur: Seven newly released rice varieties demonstrated a yield advantage of 35–45% over locally cultivated varieties during a field demonstration in Chiechama village in Nagaland’s Chiephobozou block in Kohima district according to the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre.
The demonstration was organised by the ICAR Nagaland Centre in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kohima, and the state Agriculture Department to assess the varieties’ performance under farmers’ field conditions and their potential to improve productivity and cropping intensity.
Hornbill Gold 308 recorded a grain yield of 5.5 tonnes per hectare under natural farming conditions. The other varieties—Patkai Pearl 131, Sekrenyi Lha 138, Tokhvu Tssok 171, Moatsu Tsuk 189, Ahuna Khi 395 and Aoleang Tahwan 295—also showed encouraging performance compared with locally cultivated varieties.
Scientists said the varieties’ short duration, yield potential and grain quality could help improve farm profitability and allow farmers to grow additional crops during the rabi season. Their early maturity could facilitate the timely planting of potato, onion, toria and field pea, helping diversify and intensify cropping systems.
Addressing farmers during the field day, Harendra Verma, a scientist at the ICAR Nagaland Centre, highlighted the varieties’ yield potential, grain quality and disease resistance.
He said performance could be improved through timely transplanting of young seedlings aged 18–22 days, appropriate crop management, and the use of organic manures, biofertilisers and micronutrients. He also stressed the inclusion of pulses in cropping systems.
Officials from the Agriculture Department’s Chiephobozou block office and 31 farmers from Chiechama village attended the demonstration to assess the varieties’ performance.
Martina Shitiri, ACTO at KVK Kohima, encouraged farmers to multiply and share seeds to facilitate wider adoption of the varieties.
The field day provided an opportunity for farmers, scientists and officials to discuss the results and assess the potential of the new rice varieties under local farming conditions.