In a groundbreaking development, the frigid terrains of Jammu and Kashmir are set to welcome a new crop in 2025 – sorghum, which is predominantly a dryland crop. This hardy, drought-resistant crop, traditionally grown in warmer climates, has been successfully adapted to the region’s cold temperatures, marking a significant agricultural breakthrough.
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, has jointly worked on this project to develop these cold-resistant sorghum varieties.
Through rigorous research and on-farm trials, they have developed elite sorghum lines that can thrive in the unique agro-climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley.
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This breakthrough is not just about introducing a new crop; it’s about transforming the agricultural landscape and uplifting the livelihoods of farmers in the region. The dual-purpose sorghum varieties, providing both grain and forage, aim to address the critical feed shortage in the region’s livestock sector, a vital pillar of the local economy.
Currently, Kashmir faces a 40% fodder deficit, impacting livestock productivity and the incomes of farmers, especially those in marginalised communities. The introduction of high-yielding, nutritious sorghum varieties, with biomass production of up to 50 tonnes per hectare, is expected to bridge this gap, boosting the rural economy and enhancing food security.
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“Developing elite sorghum lines tailored to Kashmir’s high-altitude ecologies is a remarkable achievement that will further inform our efforts to extend the cultivation north of 40° latitude,” Ephrem Habyarimana, Principal Scientist – Sorghum Breeding, at ICRISAT, said here on Monday, commenting on the breakthrough.
The project aims to enhance sustainable livestock production and improve the socio-economic conditions of marginalized farmers across the Kashmir Valley by releasing these cold-tolerant sorghum varieties in 2025.
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“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 in a statement.
