India - Prof H.K.Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor transplants basmati with blast resistance genes

Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University has introduced a new version of basmati introgressed with genes for blast resistance and dwarfness.

Prof. H.K. Chaudhary, Vice-Chancellor, himself introduced and transplanted this new version of basmati in the farmers field at Ustehar village near Baijnath. He told that new strain is semi dwarf blast resistant version of popular Ranbir basmati cultivar developed through marker assisted breeding. This strain has been developed by the University biotechnologist Dr. Rajeev Rathour.

The Vice-Chancellor met progressive vegetable grower Sh. Gareeb Das at Burli Kothi village near Paprola. He appreciated Sh. Gareeb Das for cultivating Desi Kheera (cucumber) known for its high water content, more flesh, more crunchiness and better taste with more shelf life. Prof Chaudhary told that purity of this local land race has been conserved by this farmer for more than 30 years. The University has tested all its quality parameters and submitted all necessary documents to Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act authority for registration. The University has also filed his nomination for Plant Genome Saviour Farmer award to PPV & FRA authority. Sh Gareeb Dass thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his visit and all efforts to get him recognition at the national level.

The Vice Chancellor also visited Kalholi village of Dharer Panchayat, which has been adopted under Farmers First Programme. Prof Chaudhary said that the farmers have adopted scientific farming and raised their economic status under the technical guidance of University scientists. He advised that this Panchayat should act as role model in agriculture for adjoining villages and progressive farmers should feel themselves like teachers to train fellow farmers. He advised farmers to encourage their children to get admission in professional academic programmes in his University. He directed the scientists to demonstrate Agriculture Spray Drone in the rice fields in this area.

The farmers profusely thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his regular visits and the University experts for farm inputs and technical guidance. Besides progressive farmers Shri Nagender Katoch, Capt. Ram Prakash Rana, Sh. Rajinder Angaria, Smt.Seema Devi,etc. the University scientists Drs R.S. Chandel, V.K. Sood,Desh Raj Chaudhary, Rajeev Rathour and Gurdev Singh were present during the visit of Vice-Chancellor to three villages.