Agricultural think tank of the State, Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Saturday gifted the State Government new and upgraded seeds of Wheat and other Rabi crops.
The Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, notification and release of Crop Varieties has approved 10 new varieties of eight crops developed by scientists of BAU.
In the 87th meeting of the Central Sub-Committee held under the chairmanship of Deputy Director General, Crop Science, ICAR, Dr TR Sharma, a total of 38 honorary members have given unanimous approval in this regard.
BAU Vice Chancellor Dr Omkar Nath Singh has described it as a great achievement of the university and a unique gift of scientists to the farmers of Jharkhand. He said that after more than a decade, the Central Sub-Committee has issued a notification to the varieties developed by the University after the recommendation of the State Variety Release Committee.
“Under the guidance of Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh, the State Variety Release Committee under the chairmanship of Agriculture Secretary Abubakar Siddique had recommended a total of 12 varieties of 9 crops on August 10. In this, the two varieties of Brinjal recommended, Birsa Chiyanki Brinjal-1 and Birsa Chiyanki Brinjal-2, are likely to be approved by the Central agency in a separate meeting,” said Singh.
“Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh and Agriculture Secretary, Abubakar Siddiq have expressed gratitude for the cooperation in promoting the development of many different crop varieties,” said the Vice Chancellor. He said that the production efficiency of these new improved varieties is 15 per cent to 20 per cent more than the varieties being used at present.
“With the use of these new strains, there will be a substantial increase in agricultural production and productivity in the State of Jharkhand and the cover of crops will also increase. Due to the short maturity period of these varieties, the cropping intensity will also increase and the fallow fields lying vacant after the harvesting of paddy can also be used,” said Congratulated. He has congratulated the Director of Research, Dr A Wadood and all the scientists and collaborators involved in the development of crop varieties.
Speaking on the occasion Head, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Dr Sohan Ram said that 10 improved crop strains developed after years of experimentation and research by scientists are high yielding, early maturing, less water requirement and tolerant to various insect-diseases.