Transforming Oilseed Farming in Kashmir: SKUAST-K's Proven Pollination Strategies

Attention 20-40s eco-enthusiasts and beekeeping enthusiasts! 🐝 Discover how Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is revolutionizing oilseed farming in Jammu & Kashmir with innovative pollination strategies! 🌼🌾

In a bid to tackle India's oilseed deficit, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has introduced high-yielding varieties of Brown Sarson, tailored for the cold climate of the region. But that's not all! They've implemented honeybee-aided pollination to boost crop yields, driving significant increases in seed production. Here's what you need to know:

🌻 Increased Seed Yield: Honeybee colonies placed in oilseed fields have increased seed yield by 15-20%, resulting in better crop yields overall.

🍯 Added Economic Benefits: Beyond boosting oilseed production, the Brown Sarson-Beekeeping model has opened up new income streams for farmers through honey production and sale of bee by-products.

🏞️ Environmental Impact: With the area under mustard cultivation expanding, there's a positive impact on the beekeeping industry as well, with honey yield increasing from bee colonies foraging on mustard fields.

Curious to learn more about how honeybee-aided pollination is transforming agriculture in Kashmir? Read on to explore the FAQs!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. How does honeybee-aided pollination benefit oilseed farming?

Honeybees increase seed yield by 15-20% through cross-pollination, resulting in better crop yields and economic benefits for farmers.

2. What varieties of Brown Sarson have been introduced by SKUAST-K?

SKUAST-K has introduced high-yielding varieties like Shalimar Sarson-1 (SS-1), Shalimar Sarson-2 (SS-2), and Shalimar Sarson-3 (SS-3) tailored for the cold climate of Kashmir.

3. How many honeybee colonies are recommended per hectare for effective pollination?

It is recommended to place 2-3 honeybee colonies per hectare to ensure good pollination in the oilseed crop.

4. What additional benefits does honeybee-aided pollination offer besides increased seed yield?

Besides increased seed yield, honeybee-aided pollination contributes to uniform and early pod setting and maturity, allowing for successful crop rotation and better land preparation.

5. How has the Brown Sarson-Beekeeping model impacted agriculture in Kashmir?

The model has led to a 'Yellow revolution', with rapeseed-mustard cultivation increasing almost five times in the region, providing economic benefits to farmers and supporting the beekeeping industry.

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) collaborated with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to address the oilseed deficit in Jammu & Kashmir.
They introduced high-yielding varieties of Brown Sarson specifically adapted to the cold climate of the region.
SKUAST-K implemented honeybee-aided pollination to enhance the yield of Lotni ecotype mustard crops, resulting in significant increases in seed yield.
Honeybee colonies placed in oilseed fields increased seed yield by 15-20% and facilitated better crop yields.
The Brown Sarson-Beekeeping model has been successful in generating higher income through increased seed/oil yields and honey production.

#OilseedFarming #HoneybeePollination #SustainableAgriculture #Kashmir #SKUAST-K

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