RARS Develops 2 New Jowar Varieties- ‘BGV-44’ & ‘CSV-29’ to Tackle Its Shortage

The Regional Agriculture Research Station (RARS) in Vijayapura has created two high yielding varieties of the crop in response to a shortage in the production of jowar, a staple food for the people of north Karnataka. Scientists predict that the two varieties, known as BGV-44 and CSV29, will increase jowar production. According to S.S. Karbhantanal, chief scientist and director of Jowar Development Programme, the new varieties of seeds have been successfully sown in a few test areas. According to him, the plants “grow taller and can yield at least 25% more grain compared to the regular one.” He stated that the BGV-44 is best suited because it retains more moisture. The quality of the CSV-29 variety is comparable. “The varieties outperform the old M-35-1. The new variety can produce between 22 and 25 quintals of fodder and 8 to 10 quintals of grains. “The cattle receive more nutrition from the fodder because it has more moisture. The varieties not only produce more but also resist pests. Currently, a centre close to Hittinahalli village sells the varieties. The plant carries more grains than the conventional variety according to farmer Siddaramappa Navadagi, who has grown the CSV-29 variety. With this variety, “I am hopeful of getting a higher yield,” he said.Jowar (sorghum) has a layer which contains anti-cancer properties and also fights free radicals which are the cause of pre-mature ageing. Magnesium, copper, and calcium are present in jowar and support the development of strong bones and tissues.
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