In the Jaffna District, traditional paddy varieties and red rice varieties have been widely cultivated. This Maha season, in the Kaithady Agriculture Instructor Range, at Navatkuli East, a new red samba variety named Ld-368 (3½ months duration) was cultivated on a trial basis for seed production in a one-acre field owned by Mr. Thangarajah. The Field Day of this crop was held on 03.02.2026 under the leadership of the Kaithady Agriculture Instructor, Mrs.Y.Imugan.
The event was graced by Mrs. S. Senthilkumaran, Provincial Director of Agriculture (Northern Province), as the Chief Guest. Special guests included Mrs. A. Srirangan, Deputy Director of Agriculture – Jaffna District; Mr. S. Selvakumar, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Seed Certification Service Centre, Paranthan; Mr. RI. Sanjeepan, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Seed and Planting Material Development Centre, Kilinochchi; Mrs. K. Sivatheepan Deputy Director of Agriculture – Mullaitivu District; and Mrs. P. Ramanenthiran, Deputy Director of Agriculture – Mannar District. Agriculture Instructors, officers of the Seed Certification Service Centre, farmers, and well-wishers also participated in the event.
During the ceremony, the Deputy Director of Agriculture – Jaffna District explained the special characteristics of Ld-368. He stated that this variety resembles At-308 samba rice in its small, round grain shape and being a red samba variety, can serve as an alternative to traditional red rice. She further mentioned that it has good cooking quality and taste. Additionally, the variety shows tolerance to diseases and pests such as blast disease, bacterial leaf blight, brown plant hopper, and gall midge, making it suitable for successful cultivation by farmers.
In her address, the Provincial Director of Agriculture emphasized that the cooperation of farmers is essential to introduce new initiatives, technologies, and innovations promoted by the Central and Provincial Departments of Agriculture. She also highlighted the importance of quality seed paddy production and its proper utilization. Furthermore, she noted that through quality seed production, farmers can earn higher incomes.
The participating guests and farmers enthusiastically visited the Ld-368 paddy field plot. Mr. S. Selvakumar and Mr. R. Sanjeepan provided detailed explanations regarding the characteristics of the variety and the procedures to be followed during seed production.
In this seed production plot, disease incidence was minimal, and 55 bushels (1,127 kg) of quality seed paddy were harvested. Therefore, this variety is considered suitable for cultivation in our region. Moreover, through quality seed production and the use of certified seed paddy, farmers can increase their income and also manage the spread of weedy rice effectively.
