Journal of Krishi Vigyan

There is a huge scope for tapping rice potential in Kashmir valley owing to congenial environment and abundant natural resources. Productivity of rice crop is however very low compared to the potential, particularly in the mid belts. With an aim to narrow down the yield gaps, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kulgam –SKUAST, Kashmir conducted 550 frontline demonstrations on rice technologies under various rice ecologies from year 2011-2020. Results of these demonstrations revealed a significant improvement in yield with introduction of new varieties, over those existing at farmers field. The yield superiority over farmers’ practice ranged from 9.2 per cent to 15.8 per cent. On an average the yield was 12.7per cent higher with the improved varieties compared to the old ones. An extension gap of 7.1 q/ ha hectare was also recorded. Net returns were 99306/ha in improved practice against 89034/ha in the farmers practice, indicating an additional income of 10272/ha with improved varieties. B:C ratio was 2.5 and 2.6 for farmers’ and improved practice, respectively. Over the decade rice production in district Kulgam increased by 34 % despite 2.5 percent decrease in area under rice.