CONRAD DIAS
Ranchi, Nov 1: The Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) in Kanke, Ranchi has developed a high-yielding variety (HYV) of pea known as the ‘Birsa Matar 1’. The pea has been developed using the pedigree method of breeding and the end product is a cross-breed product of two different varieties.
The pea has been developed under the guidance of Dr CS Mahto, Jr Scientist (Plant Breeding), Dr PK Singh, Entomologist, Dr S Karmakar, Agronomist, Dr HC Lal, Plant Pathologist, Dr E Ahmad, ZRS Chianki, Dr Sunil Kumar, ZRS Dumka, Dr P Prasad, ZRS Darisai.
Talking to Lagatar24.com, CS Mahto said that the HYV pea has a yield potential of 14-15 quintals per hectare.
“The normal matar (peas) which are sold in the market has a maximum yield potential of maximum 11 quintals per hectare whereas Birsa Mattar 1 can yield around 14-15 quintals per hectare. The crop has been identified in the category of medium maturity as the rate of maturity is around 112-116 days,” Mahto said.
He added that the plant has been categorised in the medium height category as the maximum height of the plant goes up to 50-60 cm or 2 feet. He also said that it takes around 66 days for the flowering stage to occur in the HYV plant.
“One thing that makes it different from normal peas that are sold in the market is that it has disease and insect-resistant properties. The plant, in its natural state, is moderately resistant to powdery mildew, a serious disease found in peas. Similarly, it is also resistant to Maruca vitrata, also known as Pod Borer, an insect which feeds on peas,” he added.
Another feature which makes it different from normal peas is that it has around 25 percent of protein content whereas a normal pea has a maximum of 22 percent of protein content, hence becoming a nutritious foodgrain as well.
Mahto added that the colour of the pea is yellowish in colour and since it is a HYV crop, around 100 seeds weigh around 15-16 grams. He said that the taste is similar to any normal pea.
He concluded by saying that the pea can be well adapted considering the climatic condition in Jharkhand as it requires just three irrigation during the cultivation stage.
