Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, has recently achieved a significant milestone in the field of agricultural research. Two of the university’s vegetable varieties—Solan Shresth, a temperate carrot variety, and Lakshami, a French bean variety—have been recognized as top-performing varieties for their consistent success in national-level trials. This recognition highlights the impact of the university's research and its contribution to improving agricultural practices, particularly in vegetable cultivation.
Background and Development of the Varieties
The two varieties, Solan Shresth (carrot) and Lakshami (French bean), were developed by the Department of Vegetable Sciences at the university, with Solan Shresth introduced in 1992 and Lakshami in 2016. Both varieties were tested under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops (AICRP VC) before being officially approved for national release. Solan Shresth was tested starting in 2017, and Lakshami began testing in 2019.
These varieties were officially released by the university's Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC) in New Delhi, after extensive testing in different zones of India. They were praised for their high yield potential, disease resistance, and overall agricultural viability.
Details of the Varieties
Solan Shresth – The Carrot Variety
Solan Shresth is a temperate carrot variety known for its long, attractive, orange, cylindrical roots. One of the key features of this variety is its self-core property, which means that the carrot does not have a fibrous core, making it highly marketable. The carrot matures early and has smooth, non-hairy roots that are rich in beta-carotene, which is essential for human nutrition.
Key Characteristics:
- Matures early
- Smooth, non-hairy roots
- Rich in beta-carotene
- Resistant to common diseases and pests
- Average root weight: 255-265 grams
- Yield: 225-275 quintals per hectare of marketable produce
Solan Shresth is well-suited for regions in Zone IV, which includes parts of Punjab, Bihar, and other northern states. It has been recognized for its consistent performance over three years of testing and is expected to be a valuable addition to the agricultural economy in these regions.
Lakshami – The French Bean Variety
Lakshami, the French bean variety, is known for its high marketable yield and its early maturity. It produces 2 to 3 long, attractive, stringless green pods per node. It matures in 65 to 70 days and offers a high yield of 150-200 quintals per hectare. The mature seeds of this variety are white with light yellow stripes, making them visually appealing in the market.
Key Characteristics:
- Matures in 65-70 days
- Produces 2-3 long, stringless green pods per node
- High marketable yield: 150-200 quintals per hectare
- Seed color: White with light yellow stripes
Lakshami is recommended for cultivation in Zone I, which includes Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, as well as Zone IV, which includes Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. This variety has performed exceptionally well during testing in these regions, making it an ideal choice for farmers in these areas.
Contributions of Scientists and Researchers
The success of these varieties is largely attributed to the efforts of Dr Rajesh Kumar, Project Coordinator of the AICRP VC, who was instrumental in the development and testing of these crops. Dr Sandeep Kansal, Dr DK Mehta, Dr Kuldeep Thakur, and Dr Rakesh also played significant roles in the maintenance, mass multiplication of seeds, and the overall testing process that led to the recognition of these varieties.
Impact on Farmers and Agricultural Economy
Impact on Farmers and Agricultural Economy
- Benefit to Small and Marginal Farmers: The recognition of Solan Shresth and Lakshami will significantly benefit small and marginal farmers, as both varieties are open-pollinated and more accessible.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Unlike hybrid varieties, which are often costly, these open-pollinated varieties allow farmers to save seeds from one year to the next, improving cost-effectiveness and reducing seed expenses.
- Sustainability: The open-pollinated nature of these varieties promotes sustainability by reducing the dependency on purchasing hybrid seeds every year.
- Higher Yields: Both Solan Shresth and Lakshami offer higher yields, which can boost overall productivity for farmers.
- Better Disease Resistance: These varieties are resistant to common diseases and pests, reducing the need for chemical inputs and improving the overall health of crops.
- Contribution to Agricultural Economy: The successful performance of these varieties will contribute positively to the agricultural economy in Himachal Pradesh and other states, where they have shown promising results.
- Improvement in Livelihoods: By increasing productivity and offering cost-effective, disease-resistant varieties, the livelihoods of farmers are expected to improve significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the two vegetable varieties developed by Nauni University?
A1: The two vegetable varieties developed by Nauni University are Solan Shresth (a carrot variety) and Lakshami (a French bean variety).
Q2: When were these varieties developed?
A2: Solan Shresth was developed in 1992, and Lakshami was developed in 2016.
Q3: In which regions can Solan Shresth be cultivated?
A3: Solan Shresth is suitable for cultivation in Zone IV, which includes parts of Punjab, Bihar, and other northern states.
Q4: What are the key characteristics of Lakshami?
A4: Lakshami is a French bean variety that matures in 65-70 days, produces 2-3 long, stringless pods per node, and has a high marketable yield of 150-200 quintals per hectare.
Q5: Why are Solan Shresth and Lakshami considered beneficial for farmers?
A5: Both varieties are open-pollinated, meaning farmers can save seeds from one harvest to the next, making them more cost-effective and accessible. They also offer high yields, resistance to diseases, and are well-suited for cultivation in specific regions.
Q6: How will these varieties impact the agricultural economy in Himachal Pradesh?
A6: The recognition of these varieties is expected to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers in Himachal Pradesh and other states where these varieties have shown good performance, contributing to the local agricultural economy.
Q7: What is the significance of open-pollinated varieties?
A7: Open-pollinated varieties like Solan Shresth and Lakshami allow farmers to save and reuse seeds, which reduces their dependence on expensive hybrid seeds, making these varieties more sustainable and cost-effective for small and marginal farmers.
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