Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) Hisar has developed two new varieties of mustard seed, RH-1424 and RH-1706, Additionally, a new wheat variety, WH-1402, has also been developed, which gives a higher yield with two irrigations and moderate fertilization.
After participating in the 275th meeting of the Board of Management of the University here Haryana Chief Secretary, Sanjeev Kaushal, said that these varieties would be high-yielding and rich in oil content. They will also help increase oilseed productivity in the mustard-producing states of the country. Apart from this, scientists have also developed another improved mustard variety, RH-1975, for timely sowing in irrigated areas of Punjab, Delhi, Jammu, and North Rajasthan, including Haryana.
Kaushal said that the University has developed a new variety of wheat, WH-1402, which gives a higher yield with two irrigations and moderate fertilization. This variety has been identified for the north-western plains of India, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. The average yield of this variety can be 50 quintals per hectare, and the maximum yield can be 68 quintals per hectare. This WH -1402 variety has been developed at the national level for sandy, less fertile, and less irrigated areas.
He urged scientists to focus on millet and bio-degradation while exploring urban farming and incubation centers for greater farmer benefit. He emphasized the high nutritional value of millets and called for improving their palatability. He said that a new Krishi Vigyan Kendra of the University will be opened in Chhapeda village of Nuh district. With the opening of this center, guidance will be available from agricultural experts to the farmers of the area. Vice-Chancellor of Dr. B. R. Kamboj said that the millet section of the university has been awarded with the Best Research Center at the national level for the year 2022-23 for its excellent research work in millet crops. Apart from this, the university has also been awarded the Best Center Award for its excellent contribution to mustard research and development.
Dr. Kamboj highlighted the College of Biotechnology’s international capabilities, noting that its laboratory center specializes in micropropagation and double haploid production, capable of yielding approximately 20 lakh high-quality, disease-free, and genetically identical plants. Additionally, collaborative efforts with the Indian Oil Corporation have been initiated to foster comprehensive growth in the beekeeping industry, aiming to generate income and employment for both agricultural and non-agricultural families. The overarching goal is to support the Madhukranti Scheme of the Union Agriculture Ministry, which seeks to attain sustainable economic and nutritional security through the adoption of scientific beekeeping practices and diversification. Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department Sudhir Rajpal and board members were also present in the meeting.