Ganderbal (Jammu and Kashmir), Oct. 11 : This year the timely rains in the Jammu and Kashmir region, have given the paddy farmers a reason to smile, as they are cherishing a bumper paddy crop this time. Also, there has not been any outbreak of disease affecting their crops which has delighted them.

According to the State agriculture department, the introduction of new high yield varieties of the paddy and a pleasant weather conditions have resulted in a bumper crop.

The department hopes for a five to six per cent increase in production from last year''s 500,000 metric tonnes of paddy.

"Last year, the paddy production was 500,000 metric tonnes, which is expected to increase by 5-6 percent this year. The bumper crop is a result of favourable climate. It is surely going to be a record year for paddy," said Manzoor Shah, the Director of State Agriculture Department in Jammu and Kashmir.

Paddy farmers of the valley are delighted over the bumper production.

"We sow paddy in May and cut it now. The crop this year is very good in comparison to the previous year. Rains this year were adequate and the colour of the paddy is extremely good. People are busy cutting and making bundles of the crop," said Parvez Ahmed, one farmer.

Every year the harvesting season of paddy starts from September end in Kashmir.

"This year the crop is good. Last year, the production was less. But thanks to rains, which didn''t cause losses this year. We are reaping results of the crop sown in May," said Shabir Ahmed Lone, another farmer.

Agriculture accounts for 25 per cent of country''s GDP (Gross Domestic Product). (ANI)