Source: TH
Context:
Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) have developed two new early-maturing wheat varieties to support the rice–wheat cropping system in Kashmir.
What is Shalimar Wheat?
- A set of early-maturing wheat varieties developed through conventional breeding.
- Designed specifically for Kashmir’s climatic conditions and cropping cycle.
- Enables timely wheat harvest before paddy transplantation.
New Varieties
- Shalimar Wheat-4 (SW-4): Matures by the last week of May.
- Shalimar Wheat-3 (SW-3): Matures by the first week of June.
Key Features
- Early maturity: Allows timely preparation of fields for rice cultivation.
- Climate adaptation: Suitable for mid-altitude regions up to about 1,850 metres.
- Rice–wheat cropping compatibility: Supports smooth crop rotation without delaying paddy transplantation.
- Disease resistance: Resistant to yellow rust, a major fungal disease in Kashmir.
- High productivity: SW-3 yields up to about 38 quintals per hectare.
- Biofortification: SW-3 contains higher iron and zinc (over 40 ppm) and around 12% protein.
- Conventional breeding: Developed through cross-breeding, pedigree selection and long-term field trials.
