Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding felicitated the scientists of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences (SKUAST), Kashmir, who discovered the high yield maize variety — Composite 15 (C15) — in 1983 that later went on to become a landmark crop.
It took 34 years for the scientific community to recognise the contribution of Kashmiri scientists in increasing the agricultural output and helping India become a food-sufficient country.
Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding felicitated the scientists of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences (SKUAST), Kashmir, who discovered the high yield maize variety — Composite 15 (C15) — in 1983 that later went on to become a landmark crop.
Developed by the Srinagar Centre of All India Coordinated Research Project on Maize under the leadership of Dr MI Handoo, C15 was derived from European material possessing traits which are important in maize production in temperate climates, like early maturity and cold tolerance.
"It (C15) matures in about 135-140 days in the Valley and is recommended for higher elevations up to 2,400 metres. It shows resilience to drought and resistance to leaf blight and stem borer, with a yield potential of 60-70 quintal per hectare. Flour from C15 can be used to make quality chapatis and is preferred by people living in high-altitudes", said Dr Bashir Elahi, senior scientist at Dryland Agricultural Research Station, SKUAST Kashmir.
Vice Chancellor of SKUAST, Kashmir, Professor Nazeer Ahmad told DNA that the university has been maintaining and propagating the C15 variety since it was developed by the scientists in 1983, a year after the university was established in the valley.
"This (C15) is one of the varieties that contributed to the green revolution in India. These varieties have been recognised for contributing to the food security of the country. They awarded the scientists and the university which contributed to the development of this variety", said Professor Nazeer.
However, the award has come too late as most of the scientists who contributed to the developing of this variety have retired from the services. "We are planning to honour all those scientists who have contributed to the discovery of C15 maize. It is because of their contribution that we have been awarded. We will present the certificate to them as well", said Prof Nazeer.
Official figures reveal that maize is cultivated on over three lakh kanals (20 kanals form one hectare) of land in Kashmir. C15 is being cultivated presently over approximately 20,000 hectares of land.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Scientists-inspection-maize crop")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}