New rice variety yields 5.4 tonnes per hectare under natural farming in Nagaland

Chümoukedima, October 22 (MExN): A newly released rice variety, Hornbill Gold 308, has recorded a grain yield of 5.4 tonnes per hectare under natural farming conditions in Nagaland, according to ICAR Nagaland Centre, Medziphema.The variety was showcased at a field day organised by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dimapur, and the State Department of Agriculture at Chümoukedima Village on October 22. The event aimed to demonstrate the potential of seven newly released high-yielding rice varieties to enhance productivity and promote crop intensification across the state.Developed by ICAR Nagaland Centre after extensive multi-location trials, Hornbill Gold 308 has a short maturity duration of 115–120 days, high tolerance to paddy blast disease, and resilience against moisture stress. Its ability to yield heavily under low-input, natural farming conditions makes it suited for local hill agro-ecosystems, ICAR Nagaland Centre said in a press release.Farmers and officials during the field day organised by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dimapur and State Department of Agriculture at Chümoukedima Village on October 22. Dr Harendra Verma, Scientist at ICAR NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, said the variety's short duration, high yield potential, and preferred grain quality offer scope for improving cropping intensity and farm profitability. He noted that early maturity facilitates timely establishment of subsequent rabi crops such as potato, onion, toria, and field pea by providing a wider window for field preparation and sowing. He advised farmers to adopt timely transplanting of 18–22-day-old seedlings and integrated crop management practices.The other demonstrated varieties, Patkai Pearl 131, Sekrenyi Lha 138, Tokhvu Tssok 171, Moatsu Tsuk 189, Ahuna Khi 395, and Aoleang Tahwan 295 also showed encouraging performance, with an overall potential yield advantage of approximately 35% to 45% over local cultivars, according to experts.District Agriculture Officer (DAO) Chümoukedima, Moainla Pongen, praised the varieties' performance and urged farmers to adopt high-yielding, early-maturing, and disease-tolerant varieties. She encouraged community-level seed multiplication of top performers like Hornbill Gold 308 for wider dissemination in the upcoming cropping season.A total of 30 farmers from Chümoukedima village attended the programme and expressed keen interest in adopting the new varieties.