From the aromatic Mushk Budji to improved, high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties, a vibrant display of temperate rice biodiversity at Khudwani on saturday reflected SKUAST-Kashmir’s efforts to preserve traditional crops while advancing agricultural research for stronger food security.
The Live Exhibition of Temperate Rice Biodiversity was held at the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani, under the Faculty of Agriculture (South Campus), SKUAST-Kashmir. The exhibition brought together university officials, scientists, line department officers and farmers from Kulgam district.
Rows of diverse rice varieties, including improved traditional landraces such as Mushk Budji and Red Ramu, were showcased during the event. The exhibition also featured high-yielding, disease-resistant and climate-resilient varieties developed to meet changing agricultural and climatic challenges.
Scientists used the occasion to highlight Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology, which can help farmers save water, reduce labour requirements and lower cultivation costs. The technology is being promoted as a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional rice transplantation.
SKUAST-Kashmir Vice Chancellor Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganie, who attended the exhibition, said the institution is being developed into a postgraduate College of Agriculture for South Kashmir, where Master’s and PhD programmes in agriculture will be introduced.
He said academic and laboratory facilities, along with hostel blocks for students, are also being developed as part of efforts to establish the centre as a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for Rice Research.
The exhibition provided an opportunity for scientists and farmers to interact and exchange knowledge on improved rice cultivation practices, biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural technologies.
By bringing traditional knowledge together with modern agricultural research, the event highlighted SKUAST-Kashmir’s efforts to improve rice production, support farmers and strengthen long-term food security in Jammu and Kashmir.
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