Srinagar, Nov 2: Scientists have developed a new cold-resistant `Sorghum’ (Jawar) crop that will be introduced in Kashmir.
The breakthrough follows an advanced on-farm trial of elite sorghum lines conducted by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in collaboration with the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir to develop these cold-resistant sorghum varieties.
As per the officials, the research focused on promoting dual-purpose sorghum varieties that provide both grain and forage and can thrive in the unique agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir.
The new crop will enhance food, feed, and fodder security, addressing the critical feed supply-demand gap in the region’s animal husbandry sector.
Dr Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General-Research of ICRISAT said the initiative has been taken to benefit regions agriculture sector.
“This initiative reflects ICRISAT’s commitment to delivering demand-driven innovations. Partnering with SKUAST has allowed us to co-develop sustainable solutions that benefit smallholder farmers and the broader agricultural sector,” he said.
He said its cultivation can improve livestock productivity and enhance the rural economy, directly benefiting marginalized communities, especially smallholder farmers and landless labor dependent on animal husbandry for their livelihoods.
Officials said under the initiative, a comprehensive multi-environment evaluation program was established to identify high-yielding, nutritionally rich sorghum genotypes suited for the unique agro-climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley. They said the trials were conducted over two cropping cycles which included assessment of biomass yield, nutritional quality, and adaptability to low temperatures.
Kashmir is currently experiencing a 40% fodder deficit, which affects livestock productivity and the incomes of farmers, particularly in marginalized communities. To address this issue, the introduction of high-yielding, nutritious sorghum varieties—producing up to 50 tonnes of biomass per hectare—is anticipated to close the gap, strengthen the rural economy, and improve food security.
“This marks a significant step toward achieving feed, fodder, and livelihood security, especially for underprivileged tribal communities in high-altitude areas,” Nazir A Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir said.
