UAS-B to launch new drought and disease resistant crop varieties
The University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru will unveil new maize, ragi and grain amaranth varieties during the Krishi Mela on November 13.
The University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru (UAS-B) will release three new crop varieties during the Krishi Mela at the GKVK campus on November 13, according to The Hindu.
The new varieties include maize MAH-20-45, ragi GPU-101 and grain amaranth KBGA-18. UAS-B Director of Research Mudalagiriyappa said all three varieties were developed by the university.
Mudalagiriyappa explained that the MAH-20-45 maize hybrid is high-yielding and can be grown in drought conditions while being tolerant to various diseases. The ragi GPU-101 variety provides an 18 per cent higher yield than current market varieties and is more tolerant to Blast disease.
The grain amaranth KBGA-18 is protein-rich and can be mixed with ragi flour before grinding. The Krishi Mela will be held for one day this year instead of three days due to prevailing drought conditions across the State.
The programme aims to provide technical information on El Niño preparedness, suitable crop varieties, soil and water conservation, and agricultural technologies for drought situations. A workshop on drought management techniques is scheduled for 10 a.m., with a field visit for participants and farmers at 2 p.m.