The State Seed Sub-Committee today approved release of 21 newly developed varieties of different crops produced by Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu and Kashmir (SKUASTJ/K).The Sub Committee, which met here today under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Navin Kumar Choudhary, recommended release of 21 new crop varieties including 12 varieties of SKAUAT-K and 9 varieties of SKAUST-J.Vice Chancellor SKAUST-K, Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganaie; Vice Chancellor SKAUST-J, Dr JP Sharma, Director General Horticulture Kashmir, Director Agriculture Jammu and Kashmir, Director Law Enforcement, Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department, Director Research SKUAST, Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs), Divisional Seed Certification Officer Jammu/Kashmir and other concerned attended the meeting both in person and through virtual mode.
Director Research, SKUAST-K, gave a presentation on 12 varieties of SKUAST-J rice (SKUA-485), wheat (SKW-356), saffron (SD 1-13), maize (DMRH-1417), two varieties of Rajmash (SKAU-WB-1634 and SKAU-WB-341), sarson (KGS-32), chickpea (SKAU-WCKP-101), chilli (SKSC-1162/LKC-1), brinjal (SKUTBH-1), cowpea (SKAU-WCP-149) and soyabean (SKAU-WSB-101).Director Research, SKAUST-J gave a presentation on nine varieties of SKAUST-J viz Wheat (JAUW-672), Maize (SJPC-01), Rapeseed and Mustard-Raya (JM 13-5), Rapeseed and Mustard -Gobi Sarson( JGS 12-3), Moong (JAUM-0936), Rajmash( BR-39), two varieties of Walnut (SJPW-1 & JWSP-06) and Lime (SEL-1001).The meeting had a detailed discussion on salient features of each crop like compatibility, thresh ability, maturity of crop, yield, disease resistance and other characteristics.Speaking on the occasion, Navin Choudhary asked the Vice Chancellors of both the varsities to prepare varieties which have commercial feasibility. He asked the scientists and researchers to motivate progressive farmers for adopting these new varieties. He also exhorted upon the officers to concentrate on areas which are best for any particular crop.On the occasion, Principal Secretary released documents compiled by SKUAST-K titled 'Planning & Management Strategies for the Eradication of Apples Leaf Blotch Miner in Kashmir and Infestation of Apple Borer In Kashmir’.