Nanjangud, December 5, 2025: ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra celebrated World Soil Day and the Sahyadri Red Mukti Rice Variety Field Festival on December 5, 2025, in Nagarle village of Nanjangud taluk. Dr. Dushyant, Research Director, Keladi Shivappanayaka Agriculture and Horticulture University, Shivamogga, and the lead researcher behind the Sahyadri Red Mukti rice variety, addressed the gathering. He highlighted the decline in soil health due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides, and advised farmers to safeguard both their own health and that of the soil through the use of green manure and organic inputs.
He explained that the Sahyadri Red Mukti variety has been developed as an alternative to the Jyoti rice variety, offering resistance to fire blight. The grains of Sahyadri Red Mukti are thicker and shinier than Jyoti, contributing to increased yield potential. It was noted with satisfaction that farmers in the Nanjangud region have already sown this variety across more than 500 acres. Dr. Dushyant also introduced the newly developed small red rice variety ‘Sahyadri Sindhur’, enriched with iron, protein, zinc, and other medicinal properties. He announced that this variety will be distributed to farmers for seed production in the next season.
Chairing the programme, Dr. B.N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR JSS KVK, shared that the organic carbon content in the current farm soil has increased. He urged farmers to conduct soil testing every two years and to apply fertilizers based on scientific recommendations.
Highlighting the long timeline of crop improvement, he noted that developing a new variety typically requires 10–15 years of sustained effort. With the Jyoti variety being cultivated for nearly 25 years, a replacement had become necessary. In this context, he appreciated Dr. Dushyant’s contribution in developing Sahyadri Red Mukti, which has brought renewed hope to farmers. He added that Dr. Dushyant has developed several other rice varieties, such as Tunga and Jalamukti, suited to different regions and has received several awards in recognition of his contributions.
During the programme, subject experts from KVK, including Shri Shamraju, provided introductory remarks on the field festival, while Mrs. H.V. Divya shared insights on soil health. Sri Guruswamy, Prashant, and more than 50 farmers from Nagarle village actively participated in the event.
