3 rabi varieties developed by Pantnagar University approved for cultivation

RUDRAPUR: Three new varieties of rabi pulses developed by Pantnagar University have been approved for cultivation across India. The decision was taken at the annual meeting of All India Rabi Pulses Project at the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh. It was chaired by TR Sharma, deputy director general of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The varieties — Pant Masoor-16, Pant Matar-509, and Pant Matar-517 — were among seven approved. These have been developed to suit different agro-climatic zones across the country.

AS Nain, director of research at the university, said, "Our university is not only a leader in developing improved varieties of pulses but also a pioneer in producing breeder seeds of these varieties in sufficient quantities to meet demand."

Each variety is recommended for specific regions in India to maximise yield. SK Verma, project coordinator, said, "Pant Masoor-16 is best suited for northern hilly states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and hilly areas of West Bengal, Assam, and other northeastern states." He added that Pant Matar-517 is recommended for north-western states, including western Uttar Pradesh, plains of Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu division while Pant Matar-509 would be best suited for north-eastern states and eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Manmohan Singh Chauhan, varsity's vice-chancellor, said, "I congratulate the scientists and all project personnel involved in development of rabi varieties which have been recognised for their potential to contribute to India's agricultural progress. The university has developed over 70 varieties of pulses to date for various regions of India. With India aiming to become self-sufficient in pulse production by 2027, this will mark a significant step toward achieving this goal."