Vadodara: Gujarat, India’s largest okra-producing state, is set to witness a significant boost in okra production with the introduction of a new climate-resistant variety. Named ‘Anand Kranti,’ this innovative breed of okra promises to revolutionise agriculture in the region, which already contributes 66% to global okra production.
This development comes from the efforts of scientists at Anand Agriculture University (AAU), who have successfully engineered a disease-resistant variety that can withstand extreme heat and yield higher outputs. mGujarat has traditionally been a significant exporter of okra, catering to markets in the Middle East, Europe, North America, and the United Kingdom. However, the crop’s susceptibility to yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) has often resulted in substantial losses, with damages sometimes reaching up to 70-80%. The new Anand Kranti variety, resistant to YVMV, addresses this critical issue, offering a solution that can sustain the state’s agricultural economy.
“Anand Kranti, officially named Gujarat Shankar Bhinda 205, provides an impressive yield of 16,500 kg per hectare, significantly higher than the existing varieties which max out at 12,000 kg per hectare,” an AAU official reported. The variety’s resilience to high temperatures, even up to 40 degrees Celsius, has been tested and confirmed by the university’s scientists both in controlled environments and on actual farms. This dwarf variety also presents practical advantages; its shorter stature makes it less prone to damage from strong winds, ensuring the plant remains robust and productive. Furthermore, the new variety produces pods that meet the stringent quality standards of both domestic and international consumers, who prefer smooth, tender, blemish-free, thin, and dark green pods.
In an effort to support farmers and scale up production, AAU has decided to offer seeds of this hybrid variety at a cost significantly lower than those sold by private companies. “While hybrid okra seeds typically cost over Rs 5,000 per kilogram, we will provide Anand Kranti seeds at approximately Rs 2,500 per kilogram,” the official announced. This initiative not only makes the seeds more accessible to farmers but also supports the state’s robust export chain for okra. The introduction of Anand Kranti marks a pivotal moment for Gujarat’s agricultural sector. By enhancing yield, improving disease resistance, and offering economic benefits to farmers, this new variety has the potential to set new benchmarks in okra production and export, reinforcing Gujarat’s position as a leader in the global okra market.
