BARC to promote local cultivation of mutant variety of crops in TN

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Bhabha Atomic Research Center is trying to promote local cultivation of mutant varieties of crops in Tamil Nadu, according to BARC scientists.

 

BARC scientific officer of Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division J Souframanien and BARC senior scientist of technical coordination wing J Daniel Chellappa told Express on Wednesday that BARC has developed 41 mutant varieties which are proven and tested and is planning to promote it in a large scale in Tamil Nadu.

 

“Ten varieties of mutant crops, which include several varieties of black gram, green gram and groundnuts have generated interest among the farmers in the state,” said Souframanien.

 

“The idea is to promote seed multiplication of these mutant varieties locally and this could be done through mass cultivation by the local farmers,” said Chellappa.

 

He said this is a rare opportunity for the farmers who are keen on cultivating BARC developed improved mutant varieties for enhancing the productivity, and interact face-to-face with the scientists.

He said the mutant varieties have an advantage as they could generate higher yield per acre besides they are resistant to diseases and with better quality.

 

Souframanien said the mutant varieties of black and green gram are resistant to yellow mosaic virus and powdery mildew diseases while the BARC groundnut varieties have large seed size and increased oil content with wider adaptability. “We also have varieties of green and black gram for rice fallow cultivation,” he added.

 

Interestingly, Agriculture College and research Institute in Madurai is interested to demonstrate BARC crop varieties for the local farming community. This could generate awareness among the farmers.

Chellappa said the response to awareness programme which is currently being held in Madurai is overwhelming.