DIMAPUR: The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Dimapur and the State Department of Agriculture, organised a field day on newly released rice varieties at Chümoukedima village on October 22, showcasing seven high-yielding varieties with potential to enhance rice productivity across Nagaland.
The demonstration highlighted the performance of the new varieties under actual farmers’ field conditions, with Hornbill Gold 308 recording a grain yield of 5.4 tonnes per hectare under natural farming conditions. Experts said the varieties offered a potential yield advantage of approximately 35% to 45% over traditional local cultivars.
Developed by ICAR Nagaland Centre following extensive multi-location trials, Hornbill Gold 308 has a maturity duration of 115–120 days, high tolerance to paddy blast disease and resilience against moisture stress. Its ability to produce high yields under low-input, natural farming conditions makes it suitable for the hill agro-ecosystems of Nagaland.
The other varieties demonstrated were Patkai Pearl 131, Sekrenyi Lha 138, Tokhvu Tssok 171, Moatsu Tsuk 189, Ahuna Khi 395 and Aoleang Tahwan 295. These varieties also showed encouraging performance compared with traditional local varieties.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harendra Verma, scientist at ICAR NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, said the new varieties offered considerable scope for improving cropping intensity and farm profitability because of their short maturity period, high yield potential and preferred grain quality.
He noted that early-maturing varieties such as Hornbill Gold 308 could help farmers establish subsequent rabi crops, including potato, onion, toria and field pea, on time. The shorter duration would provide a wider window for field preparation and sowing, allowing farmers to make better use of available land and the cropping season.
Dr. Verma advised farmers to transplant young seedlings aged 18–22 days at the appropriate time and adopt integrated crop management practices to improve productivity.
He recommended the use of organic manures, biofertilisers and micronutrients, along with the inclusion of pulse crops in crop rotation, to support sustainable agricultural production.
District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Chumoukedima, Moainla Pongen, also addressed the gathering and commended the performance of the newly demonstrated varieties. She urged farmers to consider adopting high-yielding, early-maturing and disease-tolerant varieties to improve rice production.
Emphasising the importance of making promising varieties accessible to more farmers, Pongen encouraged community-level seed multiplication of top-performing varieties, particularly Hornbill Gold 308. She also called for the sharing of seeds among neighbouring farmers to facilitate wider adoption during the upcoming cropping season.
A total of 30 farmers from Chumoukedima village participated in the programme and expressed keen interest in adopting the newly released varieties.
The field day served as an interactive platform for farmers, scientists and agricultural officials to assess crop performance directly in the field and exchange views on improving rice cultivation.
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