University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru to launch three new crop varieties

The University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru (UAS-B) will release three new crop varieties on the occasion of the agriculture fair to be held on November 13 at the GKVK campus in Yelahanka, Bengaluru. All three new varieties have been developed by the university.

According to a report by The Hindu, these new varieties include MAH-20-45 of maize, GPU-101 of ragi, and KBGA-18 of grain amaranth. Explaining the features of these varieties, Mudlagiriyappa, Research Director of UAS-B, stated that MAH-20-45 is a high-yielding hybrid variety of maize. This variety possesses resistance against various diseases and can be grown even in drought conditions without significant intervention from farmers.

Providing information on the new ragi variety GPU-101, he mentioned that this variety gives 18% higher yield compared to other varieties currently available in the market. Additionally, this variety is more tolerant to 'Blast disease', the most common disease found in ragi. Meanwhile, the KBGA-18 variety of grain amaranth is rich in protein. Mudlagiriyappa suggested that this amaranth can be mixed with ragi before grinding, and consuming it blended with ragi flour is beneficial for health.

Considering the prevailing drought conditions in the state, changes have been made to the organization of the agriculture fair this year. In previous years, this fair lasted for three days, but this year it will be held for only one day.

Providing details of the programme, Prof. Mudlagiriyappa stated that a workshop on drought management techniques will be held at 10 am on the day of the fair. Subsequently, a field visit has been organized at 2 pm for participants, especially farmers. The primary objective of the entire programme is to provide technical information regarding the impact of El Niño and future preparations. Along with this, guidance will be provided on suitable crop varieties for drought conditions, supplementary agricultural techniques, as well as soil and water conservation.