SRINAGAR : The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) showcased more than eight decades of rice research, indigenous germplasm conservation and climate-resilient crop technologies at a live exhibition of Temperate Rice Biodiversity held at the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani.
Established in 1942, MRCFC has built a research legacy spanning more than 80 years, developing rice, rapeseed and wheat varieties adapted to Kashmir’s diverse agro-climatic conditions—from temperate valley floors to cold, high-altitude areas above 2,000 metres.
The exhibition brought together high-yielding rice varieties developed for the region with newer production and crop-protection technologies, highlighting the centre’s continuing role in strengthening agricultural productivity under changing climatic conditions.
A major focus of the exhibition was MRCFC’s germplasm conservation programme, which maintains a collection of indigenous rice landraces as well as exotic introductions. The collection serves as a living repository of rice biodiversity, preserving genetic material that can be important for future breeding, productivity and climate adaptation.
The centre also has national significance as India’s Nodal Centre for Rice Blast Screening, giving its research a role in crop-protection efforts extending beyond Jammu and Kashmir.
SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie attended the exhibition as the chief guest. He was accompanied by the Director Extension, Chief Agriculture Officers of Kulgam and Anantnag, university scientists and officers, and other dignitaries.
During the field visit, Prof. Ganie reviewed the ongoing research trials and appreciated the comprehensive research programme being undertaken at MRCFC, particularly its efforts to conserve rice germplasm.
He described the centre as a “role model for the University”, saying its work had received recognition at national and international platforms.
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted MRCFC’s role as India’s Nodal Centre for Rice Blast Screening, underlining the importance of its work in crop protection and disease management.
He appreciated the scientists for their contributions and encouraged them to sustain their research efforts, while reaffirming SKUAST-K’s commitment to supporting the farming community.
Prof. Ganie said Climate-Smart Agriculture and Resource Use Efficiency would remain key priorities for agricultural development in the region, particularly as farmers confront changing climatic conditions and increasing pressure on natural resources.
During the programme, he also announced that the South Campus of the Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Kashmir, will be operationalised from the current season. The move is expected to strengthen agricultural education, research and extension activities in the region.
The Director Extension highlighted the contribution of varieties developed at MRCFC to rice cultivation across the Kashmir Valley. He said the centre’s varieties had contributed to improvements in productivity and helped expand rice cultivation over the years.
The exhibition thus placed the centre’s long-standing rice research in the context of the future of agriculture in Kashmir, where conservation of genetic diversity, improved varieties, disease resistance, climate adaptation and efficient use of resources are increasingly important to sustaining farm productivity.
