Mumtaz Ahmed
The Department of Agriculture, AJK, is reshaping agricultural development through a sequence of pioneering strides. From adaptive research trials that customize crops to local conditions, to innovative practices such as olive grafting and potato tissue culture, along with the empowering Monday meetings involving farmers, the department spearheads the drive toward a thriving and sustainable agricultural milieu. As AJK navigates the complexities of the contemporary era, its agricultural sector remains resilient, fortified by the forward-looking initiatives of its Department of Agriculture.
Olive grafting emerges as yet another noteworthy stride in AJK’s agricultural revolution. Through the grafting of high-yield olive varieties onto robust rootstocks, the department is augmenting olive production in the region. This technique not only amplifies the yield of these precious trees but also fosters the overarching economic prosperity of local communities. As an acknowledgment of contemporary biotechnology, the potato tissue culture initiative within the department is creating a significant impact.
This pioneering method facilitates the propagation of disease-free potato plants, consequently leading to more robust yields for farmers. This approach not only attends to crop health but also contributes to ensuring food security by safeguarding a fundamental food source. Arguably one of the most remarkable aspects of the AJK Department of Agriculture’s approach is its implementation of “Monday meetings” with farmers. These consistent gatherings establish a platform for candid dialogue, allowing farmers to exchange their insights, challenges, and experiences. Through attentive consideration of the perspectives of these cultivators, the department ensures that its policies and strategies remain firmly rooted in the practicalities of the agricultural community. These Monday meetings additionally function as a conduit for the transfer of knowledge. Farmers are exposed to novel techniques, sustainable practices, and state-of-the-art technologies that have the potential to augment both their yields and income. This bidirectional dissemination and exchange of information nurture a feeling of ownership and collaboration, propelling agricultural development from its very foundation.
It is projected that gearing up the research experiments on other important crops, especially maize, tomato, off-season vegetables, tunnel farming, and fruit orchards, will pave the way forward to sustainable agriculture production and enhance economic activities among rural communities across AJK. The use of modern crop production techniques and technologies is highly recommended for the improved and increased production of major cereals, vegetables, fruits, and medicinally important plants. In the tranquil landscapes of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Department has been discreetly spearheading a revolution in agricultural development. Through a combination of innovative practices and a commitment to engaging with local farmers, the department is paving the way for a thriving agricultural future in the region.
At the core of this transformation lie adaptive research trials, a pioneering approach that harmonizes agricultural practices with the distinctive needs of the region. Through these trials, the department scrupulously tests novel wheat varieties, evaluating their suitability to AJK’s precise climate and soil conditions. This practical experimentation ensures that farmers are furnished with crops capable of enduring the challenges presented by shifting weather patterns. The adaptation trial of promising, early maturing, and high-yielding wheat varieties at ADR Farm Garhi Dupatta, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), is a significant research initiative aimed at evaluating the performance and suitability of various wheat varieties within the specific agro-climatic conditions of the farm. These trials aim to identify wheat varieties that thrive in the local environment and have the potential to deliver higher yields in a shorter growing season. First step involved in the varietal trial isselection of twelve wheat varieties brought from National Agriculture Research Center (NARC) and Ayoub Agriculture Research Institute Faisalabad, with attributes such as disease resistance, yield potential, maturity period, and suitability to local environmental conditions, have been meticulously chosen based on prior research, available data, and expert consultation.To minimize biasness and variability, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) is used.
The farm is divided into 36 subplots, and each wheat variety is randomly allocated to 3 replications, ensuring statistically reliable and representative outcomes. These selected wheat varieties are sown according to recommended agronomic practices. Data collection spans the growing season and includes parameters like days to 50% germination, number of tillers per plant, plant height, days to heading, spike length, number of grains per spike, disease incidence, and the most important parameter, the grain yield. These trialsare regularly monitored for signs of diseases, pests, or agronomic concerns. Adequate management practices, such as fertilization and pest control, are employed as required to optimize plant growth. Wheat, a staple crop feeding millions, embodies remarkable diversity in its varieties, each possessing distinct attributes that contribute to its growth, yield, and resilience. This report embarks on a thorough examination of twelve wheat varieties: Akbar 2019, Urooj 2022, Dilkash 2020, Anaj 2017, Deuram 2021, MH 2021, Azrec Derra, NARC Super, Pak 2013, Markaz 2019, Borlaug 2016, and Zincol. The germination period is a critical determinant of a crop’s vigor and early establishment. Starting with the quickest germination times, Akbar 2019 and Pak 2013 take the lead with swift germination in just 20 and 21 days, respectively. These varieties offer an early start to the growth cycle. Slightly trailing behind is Urooj 2022, Dilkash 2020, MH 2021, Anaj 2017, and Azrec Derra, with germination periods ranging from 22 to 23 days, offering a balanced blend of speed and resilience. Deuram 2021 and Borlaug 2016 display a tad slower germination at 24 and 25 days, emphasizing the need for strategic planting timelines.When it comes to tiller count, Borlaug 2016 and NARC Super emerge with lower tiller counts of 12 and 14 per plant, respectively, requiring careful crop management for optimal results. Urooj 2022 and Anaj 2017 maintain moderate tiller counts of 14 per plant, providing a stable foundation for yield potential. Akbar 2019 and Pak 2013 follow with robust tiller counts of 15 and 19 per plant, respectively, promising healthy crop development. In the mid-range, Deuram 2021 takes the lead with a remarkable 21 tillers per plant, suggesting the potential for substantial grain yield. Zincol follows closely with a high tiller count of 20, indicative of strong yield prospects.Moving on to plant height, Akbar 2019 stands out as the shortest variety with a modest stature of 69cm, offering a space-efficient option for cultivation.
Urooj 2022 and Anaj 2017 maintain moderate plant heights of 72cm and 75cm, respectively, providing a balance between compact growth and space utilization. Dilkash 2020 and MH 2021 exhibit slightly taller plants at 78cm and 80cm, respectively, suggesting the advantage of vertical growth. Deuram 2021 and Markaz 2019 require specific planting conditions to accommodate their stature, with heights of 68cm and 78cm, respectively. At the top of the height spectrum, NARC Super and Zincol command towering heights of 87cm and 84cm, respectively, necessitating careful consideration for canopy management.Heading time, a crucial factor in wheat farming, reveals a diverse range of characteristics among these varieties. Markaz 2019 and Akbar 2019 lead with early heading times of 100 and 105 days, respectively, accommodating shorter growing seasons. Urooj 2022, Dilkash 2020, Anaj 2017, and Azrec Derra fall within the moderate range of heading times, ranging from 103 to 110 days, presenting a balanced approach to crop development. Borlaug 2016 and MH 2021 exhibit slightly delayed heading times of 115 days, calling for meticulous crop management to optimize yield. NARC Super and Deuram 2021 showcase late heading times of 117 and 120 days, respectively, necessitating prolonged growing seasons for optimal results. Then the spike length, a crucial factor influencing wheat yield, reveals a spectrum of possibilities among these wheat varieties. Akbar 2019 showcases the shortest spike length of 7cm, indicating its potential limitations in grain yield compared to varieties with longer spikes. MH 2021 and Anaj 2017 maintain a spike length of 8cm, offering a balance between spike size and other agronomic considerations. Dilkash 2020 and Urooj 2022 follow closely with a spike length of 9cm, providing the potential for substantial grain yields. Borlaug 2016, Azrec Derra, and Zincol share the same spike length of 10cm, making them strong candidates for high-yield cultivation. Markaz 2019 and Pak 2013 stands out with the longest spike length of 12cm and 13 cm respectively emphasizing its potential for higher yield in regions with longer growing seasons.
The grain count per spike is a critical determinant of wheat yield. Borlaug 2016, with a grain count of 34 per spike, starts the list with a relatively lower count. Akbar 2019 follows with a respectable grain count of 42 per spike, representing a viable but not exceptional choice for wheat cultivation. NARC Super and Pak 2013 share a grain count of 37 per spike, demonstrating yield potential, albeit with disease management considerations. Anaj 2017 maintains a grain count of 37 per spike, providing a reliable foundation for grain production. Dilkash 2020 and MH 2021 achieve good grain counts of 39 and 41 per spike, respectively, offering stable yield prospects. Azrec Derra and Zincol, both boasting a grain count of 40 per spike, showcase their potential for substantial grain production. Urooj 2022 stands out with an impressive grain count of 60 per spike, indicating its substantial yield potential. As far as the production per kanal is concerned, the ultimate measure of a wheat variety’s performance. Akbar 2019, with a production of 217 kg/kanal, represents a viable but not exceptional choice for wheat cultivation. Borlaug 2016, with a production of 235.83 kg/kanal, offers potential in areas with lower disease pressure. Pak 2013, with a promising production of 241.67 kg/kanal, holds potential for high-yield cultivation. Anaj 2017, with a production of 245.42 kg/kanal, proves to be a reliable option for wheat cultivation, especially in regions with longer growing seasons. Deuram 2021, despite facing disease challenges, achieves a production of 245.83 kg/kanal, reflecting the need for improved disease resistance.
NARC Super, with a production of 250.33 kg/kanal, showcases its yield potential, contingent upon disease management. Dilkash 2020 achieves a solid production of 250.25 kg/kanal, making it a balanced choice for farmers looking to optimize yield while considering other agronomic factors. Markaz 2019, with a production of 257.83 kg/kanal, positions itself as a strong contender for wheat cultivation, particularly in regions with longer growing seasons. MH 2021 presents a balanced choice with a production of 264.83 kg/kanal, especially suitable for areas with reduced disease pressure. Azrec Derra, despite disease setbacks, records high production at 286.67 kg/kanal, making it a robust choice for high-yield wheat cultivation. Urooj 2022 leads the list with an impressive production of 315 kg/kanal, establishing itself as a standout variety for high-yield wheat farming. This comprehensive analysis underscores the intricacies of wheat variabilities. It illuminates the interplay between germination, vegetative traits, reproductive attributes, spike characteristics, disease resilience, and ultimate yield. Each variety’s unique characteristics offer a wealth of information for farmers and researchers alike. The findings underscore the importance of selecting varieties tailored to specific objectives and environmental conditions. As agriculture navigates challenges posed by a changing climate and evolving pest pressures, such detailed insights become indispensable for driving sustainable and productive wheat cultivation. The diverse range of traits exhibited by these wheat varieties reflects the crop’s adaptability and potential for meeting the world’s food demands. By harnessing this data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, promoting the growth of resilient, high-yield wheat that continues to sustain the alarmingly rising populations and the next generations to come. It is concluded that, these varietal trials have certainly provided a comprehensive understanding of the wheat varieties under consideration, enabling farmers to make informed decisions that align with their specific needs and growing conditions.
The presentation allows for a systematic assessment of each variety’s attributes, from germination time to production per kanal, aiding in the selection of the most suitable wheat variety for their farming endeavors. The diversity of these wheat varieties not only reflects the ongoing efforts in agricultural research but also offers promising prospects for improved wheat farming practices to meet the demands of a growing world population. Based on the comparative analysis of these wheat varieties, the department offers specific recommendations for different scenarios like: ? For Maximum yield &longer growing season, consider planting Urooj 2022. Its impressive grain count per spike and production make it an excellent choice for high-yield cultivation. ? For a balanced choice that combines good characteristics across various parameters, both MH 2021 and Dilkash 2020 are strong contenders. They offer decent yield potential and disease resistance. ? For earlier harvest due to a shorter growing season, Akbar 2019 and Markaz 2019 are viable options with relatively shorter heading times. ? In the regions with a history of wheat diseases, consider Azrec Derra for its strong candidate status, or NARC Super for high-yield potential with effective disease management. ? For taller wheat plants, NARC Super and Pak 2013 both offer tall plant heights, which can be advantageous in certain conditions. ? Borlaug 2016 may be suitable for areas with lower disease pressure, while Zincol stands out as a robust choice for prolonged growing seasons with disease concerns. Ultimately, the choice of wheat variety should align with your specific farming conditions, goals, and the local climate. Regular monitoring and appropriate management practices, including disease control and fertilization, will further enhance the performance of your chosen wheat variety. The Department urges farmers to always consult local agricultural experts for the most tailored recommendations based on your unique circumstances. Through the continuous efforts of the Department of Agriculture, there is a bright future for sustainable agriculture through the extension of research innovations at the department’s research wings.
Once these innovative results are efficiently and effectively disseminated to the farming communities, they will undoubtedly lead to the flourishing of productive agricultural activities in AJK, contributing to economic growth in the face of changing and challenging climatic conditions that threaten food security in the entire region.
