In a minor revolution in the agrarian history of the Kashmir Valley, the farmers in the region harvested the legendary Basmati rice for the first time this autumn. The aromatic indigeneous variety of rice recently introduced in the area, scientists claim is going to change the fortunes of Kashmiri farmers so far restricted to coarse rice varieties.

Named as Pusa Sugandh - 3, this new variety has been developed by the scientists of Sher - e - Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology (SKUAST) after a four year trial period. The first crop maturing last week marks a new phase in Kashmir ‘s rice production. “After successful trials for four years, this year we introduced Pusa Sugandh - 3 across the Valley on a limited portion of land,” Associate Director Research, SKUAST, Shafi Ahmad Wani said. “We are happy that this variety of aromatic rice showed good results,” he said adding that from next season, the university is planning to introduce this variety of paddy on a major portion of land. “By now, farmers are being provided seed of this new Basmati variety free of cost. But, the time will soon come when farmers will be making a beeline for the seeds.”

Till date Valley farmers were only growing course varieties like K-39, Jehlum, Chenab , Kosar, Shalimar -1 and K -332 and shied away from cultivating Basmati varieties of paddy fearing paddy blast diseases. However, the newly developed variety, scientists claim is disease free and is adaptable to the Kashmiri climate.

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