Dense Fog Boosts Toria Seed Harvest in Kamrup District

Optimism Among Toria Farmers

Amingaon, Jan 3: The thick fog enveloping various regions has proven beneficial for Toria seed (rapeseed) cultivators in Kamrup district, who are hopeful for a bountiful harvest.

Bimal Medhi from Hajo Bagata, who cultivated 150 bighas of certified rapeseed (Toria variety TS-38) last year, reported earnings of Rs 5 lakh. He expressed optimism for even greater returns this year, attributing the favorable weather and dense fog as a boon for their dry fields. Medhi also mentioned receiving technical assistance from KVK, Kamrup.

The Toria variety TS-38 is also being grown by the Bhaillabari Fishery Farmers Producers Company. A group of 43 farmers from Kulhati, who planted this variety across 100 bighas, are anticipating improved yields. The dense fog has been instrumental in promoting growth and preventing wilting. Farmer Jiten Das noted, “Mustard cultivation requires minimal water, and the recent fog has significantly benefited our crops, keeping them healthy.”

Supporting the farmers' sentiments, Sonmoina Bhuyan, a senior scientist and head of KVK, Kamrup, stated, “The more fog we have, the better it is for the plants.” Discussing the certified rapeseed (Toria variety TS-38), Dr. Bhuyan explained, “This variety thrives in the rain-fed fields of Assam, typically yielding around 5 quintals per acre under such conditions.”

The Toria variety TS-38 was developed by Assam Agriculture University in 2018-19 and is characterized as a late-sown, high-yielding, short-duration variety. Dr. Bhuyan highlighted its suitability for double and triple cropping systems, particularly after sali rice, given Assam's agro-climatic conditions.

Thanks to its exceptional performance, TS-38 has gained popularity among farmers beyond Assam. In recent years, this variety has been adopted in Northeastern states like Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as in Odisha, Bihar, and Rajasthan, showcasing its adaptability and productivity across various agro-ecological zones.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kamrup, along with Assam Agriculture University, has been actively working to boost oilseed production in the state through the continuous supply of certified Toria seeds, variety TS-38. Over the past five years, KVK has successfully produced significant quantities of certified Toria seeds.