Junagadh Agriculture University JAU - Two News Varieties of Groundnut

There is good news for farmers in the drought-prone Gujarat. Junagadh Agriculture University(JAU) scientists have developed two new varieties of groundnut — one for Kharif Crops and other for summer season. Both varieties promise to give better yield per hectare leading to reduced consumption of water, pesticides and fertilizers.

The varieties, named as Groundnut-9 and GG-31, were cleared by the Agriculture Research and Extension Council, the apex body in the state in agricultural research, at a recent meet held at JAU. At the meet, attended by leading scientists and top officials of all the four agriculture universities, including Junagadh Agriculture University Vice Chancellor N C Patel and Anand Agriculture University Vice Chancellor M C Vaishnav, 16 new varieties of various crops including sesame, millet, brinjal, turmeric and chilly were introduced.

Following the clearance to new varieties by the apex body, the two seeds will now be taken for multiplication by the university and in a year’s time they will be available in the market.

R L Savaliya, Director, Education department at JAU, said that Groundnut-9 is a Kharif variety which can give a yield of 1,632 kg per hectare. The three sub-varieties of Groundnut-9, including JG2, JG5 and JG7, give 30 per cent, 20.5 per cent and 15.5 per cent higher yield. It also gives higher kernel yield and has better oil percentage. Besides, it is tolerant to stem rot decease and pests like Gassid Thrises.

The second variety that has also got clearance from the apex body is a special summer variety – GG-31 – that gives 36.9 per cent higher yield. It has showed superiority in the quality of pod and kernel. This variety has been recommended for summer season because of is higher resistance to Gassid Thrises, halophiles and incidences of bud necrosis.

Kesar Mango Talala Gir Junagadh District News Gujarat India

A Major mango feast is in the offing for fruit lovers in the region due to an early arrival of the Kesar Keri variety coupled with a bumper crop this season.

This year’s first auction of the fruit began at the Talala Marketing Yard on Tuesday (April 6), which is generally held in May.

According to experts, the season is likely to last till June and rates may also come down as the yield is reported to be 15 per cent more than the last two years.

On the first day of the auction, 8,400 boxes (each weighing 10 kg) arrived from various villages in the Gir region of Junagadh district.

The minimum rate for 10 kg was Rs 150 — nearly Rs 100 less than the previous year. Sadarsinh Chauhan, a member of the Talala Marketing Yard, said: “The weather was perfect this time, as a result of which the fruit has arrived early and in a large quantity. The first lot has arrived with that of hafoos.”

Last season, the marketing yard had auctioned over six lakh boxes, which is expected to increase significantly this year. “Initial trend indicates there will be 15 per cent more yield this season. On the first day itself there were 300 more boxes,” said yard chairman Chagan Kansagra.

Deepa Hiremath Anand Junagadh Agricultural Colleage University News

Deepa Hiremath sweeps all 14 gold medals in agriculture.

The sixth convocation of Anand Agricultural University (AAU) will be held on Wednesday. The star attraction here would be 20-year-old Deepa Hiremath, who is the first girl in the university's history to sweep all 14 gold medals as well as cash reward.

"It's a matter of immense pride as the university has 75 per cent boys and 25 per cent girls. Despite the small numbers, this girl has pipped all to post and walked away with all the gold medals," said AAU vice-chancellor (V-C) AAU MC Varshneya.

Deepa is currently pursuing her Masters in Agriculture (economics) at Junagadh Agricultural University in Junagadh City State Saurashtra Kathiyavad Region. University officials said the girl has broken all the records as earlier there have been two girls who won nine and seven gold medals, but never the complete sweep.

Meanwhile, Varshneya said 330 graduate, post-graduate and doctoral students will be awarded degrees at the convocation. Chairman of Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board Dr CD Mayee will be the chief guest, while Gujarat governor and chancellor Dr Kamla will preside over the convocation function.

A special highlight of the convocation would be awarding Doctorate of Sciences degree to four veterans, who have made significant contribution in the field of agricultural sciences. These include Dr AC Pandya, Dr PD Mistry, Dr GM Dave and Dr Janki Raman, all four who have dedicated their lives to establishing new techniques and concepts in agriculture science and research.