Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have developed two new wheat varieties designed to fit Kashmir’s rice-wheat cropping system. The varieties, Shalimar Wheat-3 (SW-3) and Shalimar Wheat-4 (SW-4), mature earlier than older wheat types and are intended to help farmers harvest wheat on time before paddy transplanting begins. The development is important for food security, crop rotation, and farm livelihoods in the Union Territory.
Why Early Maturity Matters
Kashmir’s farming calendar depends on timely harvests. Wheat is sown in October and must usually be removed by May or early June so that rice can be transplanted. Earlier varieties from sub-tropical regions often matured too late in Kashmir’s cooler climate, disrupting the rice-wheat cycle. The new varieties address this long-standing problem by ensuring harvest by the last week of May or the first week of June.
Features of SW-3 and SW-4
- SW-4 matures by the last week of May.
- SW-3 matures in the first week of June.
- Both varieties are suitable for mid-altitude areas up to about 1,850 metres.
- They retain cold tolerance and broad agronomic performance.
- SW-3 is biofortified with iron and zinc above 40 ppm and has about 12% protein content.
- SW-3 has a potential productivity of up to 38 quintals per hectare.
Breeding, Testing and Disease Resistance
The varieties were developed through conventional breeding, including cross-breeding, pedigree selection and multi-year field testing. The process took about 9 to 10 years and included trials at research stations and farmers’ fields. A key feature is resistance to yellow rust, a fungal disease that affects wheat in Kashmir and can reduce yields sharply. Early maturity was prioritised even though it can sometimes involve a yield trade-off.
Seed Rollout and Farmer Impact
In Gurez valley, SW-3 was introduced to farmers in a seed distribution programme covering more than 70 hectares. The initiative aimed to reach remote villages with limited access to improved seed systems. Farmers expect the varieties to support timely paddy planting, improve fodder availability, and reduce losses from disease and weather stress.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026