The Hindu Business Line : Vegetable research project develops 70 hybrid varieties

THE All-India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops (AICRPVC) has so far developed 284 improved varieties and 70 hybrids of vegetables as a part of its efforts to boost horticulture production in the country, according to Dr Mathura Rai, Director of the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR).

Addressing the 22nd group meeting of the vegetable research workers of AICRPVC at the Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) here on Thursday, Dr Rai said that the new varieties have been introduced to the farmers for cultivation and priority was accorded for production of quality vegetable seed.

Besides the new varieties, 150 new technologies have been developed for the benefit of farmers. Dr Kirti Singh, Chairman of the Research Advisory Committee of IIVR, said introduction of drip irrigation had revolutionised horticulture production in the country, which currently produces 60 varieties of vegetables.

Dr Singh said the recently started National Horticultural Mission would be promoting vegetable production, as vegetables accounted for 61 per cent of the total horticulture produce in the country. He said: "We would not be able to meet the demands of the country's growing population through organic farming."

Dr Umesh Srivastava, Assistant Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), said production of vegetables in the country had to increase from the current level of 71 million tonnes to 250 million tonnes by the year 2020 to meet the growing needs of the population.

The Andhra Pradesh Commissioner of Horticulture, Mr J.S.V. Prasad, said the State Government had spent Rs 6 crore to cover 20,000 hectares of land with hybrid vegetable crops. He pointed out that small land holdings, low productivity and fluctuations in the market price were the major constraints for promotion of vegetable crops in the State.

The ANGRAU Vice-Chancellor, Mr S.P. Singh, said the university would intensify research on vegetable crops.

More Stories on : Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables | Textiles

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
NCDEX ties up with CDSL for demat trading

Kerala: `Excess' rainfall in most places

Trawling ban from June 14 in Kerala

Vegetable research project develops 70 hybrid varieties

Steady trend in rubber continues

For sugar cos, by-products look sweeter

Gold may test resistance levels

Cotton prices likely to rule firm on demand

UPASI to get Spices Board's support for growing spices

Workshop on farm productivity reforms

Meet on white revolution in Udupi

Ryots' suicides under scrutiny in AP