Tomato crop. File photo.
– Photo: Samvad News Agency
Expansion
These days the price of tomatoes in the country is sky high. Tomatoes are being sold at Rs 100 per kg and at Rs 80 per kg. Meanwhile, ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak has given a big information. He has told that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research is developing two such hybrid varieties of tomatoes in its Bangalore-based institute which can prevent crisis in future.
In a press conference held in Pusa on Monday regarding the foundation day celebration of ICAR, ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak said that the hybrid tomato varieties developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Arka Rakshak and Arka Abedh are such varieties that can remain safe for more than three weeks. We need to expand the area under these varieties. This can also curb the rising prices in future.
According to Chandrashekhar C, senior scientist of IIHR, India’s first triple disease resistant tomato F1 hybrid Arka Rakshak, developed in 2012, is currently cultivated in 7,000 hectares. This hybrid technology has been licensed to 11 companies. A turnover of Rs 3,600 crore is estimated from seed sales during 2012-22. At the same time, the Arka Abedh variety of tomato developed three years ago can remain safe for three weeks or even more. It is suitable for distant markets.
He also said that both these varieties of tomatoes also provide resistance to many diseases including leaf curl virus, bacterial wilt and early blight.
Director General Himanshu Pathak said that in 100 days, the institute will start a new initiative with new seed varieties and new technology. This includes the establishment of high-yield seed variety seed hubs at the farm level as well as specialized centers for oilseeds and pulses in the districts. Apart from this, 40 new technologies will be demonstrated in this event, as well as commercialization through 10 new MoUs. Agricultural experts from India and abroad will also participate in it. Pathak said that during 2023-24, the institute has released a total of 323 varieties of 47 crops. This includes 156 grain varieties. 42 oilseeds, 19 animal and other fodder, 12 improved varieties of sugarcane.
Apart from this, there are 289 climate-friendly varieties and a process has been followed for nutrient management for 24 crops. Apart from this, developing more breeding fish for fish species, robotic research and scientific progress and bridging the gap between farm and scientific application is also being done through innovative methods.