The Variety Release Committee of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) headed by Dr TR Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) has identified Winged bean variety Birsa Kamrenga- 1 (RWB- 13) developed by Birsa Agricultural University under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Potential Crops (AICRP- PC) for release to country's northeastern plain zone and has allotted National Identity Number IC 156524 to it. The variety was identified on the basis of yield superiority (14.29 qtl/ ha), high protein (30.37%) and oil content (25.81%).
Project scientists lead by Dr Jaylal Mahto were working on varietal development for nearly a decade. This easy to grow legume is well known for its nutritional value and low calorific value. The entire winged bean plant is edible. The leaves, flowers, roots and bean pods can be eaten raw or cooked. The pods are edible even when raw and unripe. The seeds are edible after cooking.
Protein-rich Winged bean is an underutilized vegetable having ability to fight malnutrition and provide dietary supplementation. Winged beans are mainly propagated through seeds. Stem cutting can also be used under specific conditions. This kharif crop is normally sown at the onset of monsoon in June-July. This crop is mainly grown by tribals as a backyard crop in eight Indian states including Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka.
