New varieties of Oats, wheat, rice, and Niger crops have been developed in Niger. The Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (JNKVV) of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh developed two oats and two wheat varieties, one rice variety, and three niger varieties.
Vice-chancellor Dr. P K Bisen of the university confirmed that the varieties have been recognized by the Centre as acceptable for production. The new oats, wheat, rice, and niger (it is a minor oilseed crop that is grown mainly under rainfed conditions) crop varieties are suitable for cultivation in other states as well.
“Farmers will soon be able to purchase seeds for these new crop varieties. This would ensure high-quality agricultural production and increase revenue,” Dr Bisen said.
Agro-climatic conditions
According to Dr. G K Koutu, Director of research services at the Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (JNKVV), the novel varieties were evaluated over three years in diverse agro-climatic conditions in specific crop-growing areas of several states.
Dr. Koutu noted these new crops have a combination of favorable characteristics such as high grain production, resistance to disease, finer grain quality, and a quick harvest period. JO 05-304 is good for production in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, whereas JO 10-506 is ideal for production in Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh’s eastern region, Assam, and Manipur, he added.
The Dierctor further claims that the new wheat M and MP 1358 types, as well as the rice JR 10, can be cultivated in specific regions of Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Koutu added that three niger (ramtil) varieties, JNS 521, JNS 2015-9, and JNS 2016-1115, are appropriate for both irrigated and non-irrigated locations in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
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