Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur   

Black gram takes green colour

Black and green : The new variety of black gram - Shekhar 1 (KU 301)

THANJAVUR: Black gram, as the name denotes is usually black in colour. But the C.S.Azad University of Agriculture and Technology of Kanpur, has recently invented a black gram, which is green in colour. Thousand grains of the new variety Shekhar 1 (KU 301) weighs 44 grams.

According to the Assistant Director of Seed Certification, Agriculture department, Thanjavur, the new variety of black gram can be tried by the farmers of Cauvery delta districts in the place of T9 variety, which has become susceptible to yellow mosaic disease. The suitable season for sowing Shekhar 1 is after March 20th. The crop is moderately resistant to powdery mildew disease and highly resistant to yellow mosaic disease.

Last year, the variety was raised on a trial basis in both Margazhi (December-January) and Chithirai (April -May) pattams under seed form condition and it performed well, the assistant director of seed certification said in a press release issued here on Monday.

Foundation seed produced by the department of agriculture is to be distributed to farmers this year.

Interested farmers can contact Joint Director of Agriculture or Assistant Director of Seed Certification, Thanjavur, at 04362-231066.

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