- ICAR Ranchi varieties provide high nutrition and cash crop benefits
- Swarna Tripti snow pea also wins farmer acceptance nationwide
Hyderabad: Farmers across India are increasingly adopting two improved varieties developed by the ICAR-Research Complex in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The soybean variety ‘Swarna Vasundhara’ and the snow pea variety ‘Swarna Tripti’ are gaining recognition for their nutritional value and taste, according to RS Pan, principal scientist of Horticulture and Vegetable Science at ICAR, Plandu.
“These varieties have gained nationwide recognition. Their popularity among farmers is steadily rising,” Pan said. The soybean was introduced in Jharkhand and 13 other states to provide both nutritional and livelihood security. “Based on the recommendation of the Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notification and Release of Varieties for Horticultural Crops, the variety is now being supplied to farmers in 14 States,” he added. Farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have responded positively.
High nutrition and economic benefits attract farmers
Swarna Vasundhara is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, essential fatty acids, minerals, and isoflavones, which help prevent cancer, osteoporosis, and heart ailments. “The original germplasm was imported from the World Vegetable Centre, Taiwan, and later improved through selection and cultivation in Ranchi,” Pan said. It can also be preserved in frozen form at -20 degrees Celsius for a year. Processing units in Pune and West Bengal convert it into soya milk, curd, paneer, and other value-added products, directly benefiting farmers.
Farmers reported significant profits. Anil Mahto from Nagri cultivated Swarna Vasundhara on 50 decimals, investing Rs 60,000 and earning Rs 1,50,000, a net profit of Rs 90,000. Rupesh Pahan earned Rs 80,000 from 63 decimals, while Bhola Oraon earned Rs 1,50,000 from 70 decimals. Dr Raushan Kumar, agriculture advisor to cricketer MS Dhoni, said, “The crop matured in about 3–4 months and gave a very good yield. From next year, we will definitely cultivate it on a large scale.”
Swarna Tripti snow pea also gaining recognition
Swarna Tripti, a tender pod variety, can be eaten whole in salads, sandwiches, or cooked with vegetables. “Both varieties have been tested for nutrient content. We are popularising them among farmers as they realise nutritional benefits and economic potential,” Pan said. The improved seeds are also being supplied to Odisha’s Sambalpur Krishi Vigyan Kendra and northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
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