Kohima: A new rice variety called Hornbill Gold 308 is pulling in 5.4 tonnes per hectare under natural farming conditions. Experts displayed the grain during a field day at Chümoukedima Village on October 22. The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, teamed up with KVK Dimapur and the State Department of Agriculture for the demonstration. This variety takes 115 to 120 days to mature. It fights off paddy blast disease and handles moisture stress well.
Scientists designed this rice for local hill environments. It thrives with low inputs. Dr. Harendra Verma, a scientist at ICAR NEH Region, noted that the crop helps farmers rotate fields faster. "The variety's short duration, high yield potential, and preferred grain quality offer scope for improving cropping intensity and farm profitability," he said. Planting 18 to 22-day-old seedlings early helps the transition to rabi crops like potato, onion, toria, and field pea.
Seven other varieties were also shown, including Patkai Pearl 131, Sekrenyi Lha 138, Tokhvu Tssok 171, Moatsu Tsuk 189, Ahuna Khi 395, and Aoleang Tahwan 295. These options promise 35% to 45% more yield than local crops. Moainla Pongen, the District Agriculture Officer for Chümoukedima, pushed for community seed multiplication of these top performers. Thirty local farmers attended the event and signaled interest in planting the new seeds soon.
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