Double cropping successfully tested in Kolasib

Aizawl, Sep 25 (UNI) For the first time in Mizoram, double cropping has been successfully experimented in demonstration fields in Kolasib.

Three varieties of rice - PANT-12, IR-64 and DRRH-1 - were harvested on Monday at Tuichhuah En wet rice cultivation in Kolasib 112 days after sowing.

In a ceremony held at the field, Kolasib agriculture extension officer R Vanlalchhuanga gave a brief report on the experimentation of the early paddy. The harvest ceremony was attended by several farmers of Kolasib.

Agriculture officials said the period of cultivation turned out to be 112 days, against 118-125 days according to an earlier research.

However, the production at the Kolasib demonstration farm was 40-50 quintals per hectare, against 55-75 quintals per hectare in the research project.

The entire cultivation was subjected to close observation, from sowing of seeds to transplantation to harvest.

Agriculture officials said except for 50 kg of fertilisers used in the nursery section, no extra fertilisers were used, but certain amount of pesticides were applied.

F Remthanga, agriculture officer in-charge of the experiment, said the paddy required close vigil as it is highly vulnerable to diseases.

The double cropping scheme is being funded by the North Eastern Council. The NEC advisor, who recently visited the site, said he was satisfied with the project.

UNI ZS DPM SS1022