Sir,
The editorial “Maximizing agriculture productivity” October 17, 2013 in Daily Excelsior has been written nicely. The recommendations of the Governor and the Chief Minister of J&K Govt. with regard to the initiatives to be taken towards enhancing agriculture productivity for the increased human population of Jammu and Kashmir which was 1.25 crore upto 31.03.2011, is the need of the hour. There is no doubt that with the concerted efforts of the extension personnels of the State Departments of Agriculture and Scientists of SKUAST (which came to fore in 1982) the agriculture productivity of major crops like rice, wheat and maize increased from 12.3, 3.53 and 6.30q during 1951-52 to 22.0, 15.20 and 17.0 q ha-1 during 1998-99. Now the average yield of these crops is 21.88, 18.92 and 20.50 q ha-1, respectively. Not only this, the farmers of Kashmir valley used to get nearly 40q rice ha-1. But these days, the yield of rice in the valley has declined largely. And as such many of the farmers have left to grow paddy due to lack of water during its growing period, and have shifted to horticulture sector.
Infact, it is an admitted fact that the current challenges in Indian farming including that of J&K State, are tremendous almost unprecedented. Soil degradation and fatigue have been plateauing yield in major crops (rice, wheat, maize) since the 1990s, and looming overall this, are the climatic change hazards. Hence, need of the hour is to conduct more research on technologies enriching the producity of the soils. Moreover, India’s food security including J&K State is at stake due to various climatic change aspects and their associated impacts on crops. Hence, a good amount of research work on breeding agricultural crops requires to be done besides the objectives as have been suggested by the Governor in 5-years action plan.
Apart from the above, quantitative assessments of crops responses to increased levels of green house gases, rainfall and occurrence of extreme weather conditions, are also required to be exorted. Model projections of such studies on state’s agroclimatic zones are essential. For this purpose lots of funds are needed to carryout aforesaid researches, which the Governor and Chief Minister have agreed to furnish with additional funds to both the Agricultural Universities viz; SKUAST-J and SKUAST-K. The scientists of both these varsities must accept gladly these challenges and work whole heartedly for the cause of worthy farmers of State.
Yours etc…..
Prof (Dr) R.D. Gupta
258-Sainik Colony, Jammu
Act tough
Sir,
India need to give a befitting reply to Pakistan’s misadventure. The constant shelling at borders has made living condition of people very difficult.
Unless India acts swiftly, Pakistan will continue to pound Indian territory. It is the time India responds in a manner that makes Pakistan to retreat.
Yours etc….
Sunny Singh
On e-mail
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