A unique black gram variety, developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), has provided an effective solution to the dreaded ‘Yellow Mosaic Virus’ (YMV) problem faced by the farmers of the district cultivating the pulse.
Farmers of this region suffer severe losses every year owing to the prevalence of YMV.
Hence the Department of Agriculture made an appeal to the BARC for supplying sample seeds of its popular black gram variety ‘Trombay Urdbean’ (TU-94-2), known for its proven YMV-resistance and shorter maturity period, free of cost.
The crop was grown in the State-owned 83.59-acre seed farm at Karaiyiruppu near here to assess its superior properties and adaptability.
The farm is located at the tail-end of Kodagan channel of Tamirabharani river irrigation system in the district.
Normally, ‘foundation seeds’ of rice and pulses are cultivated, processed and distributed by this farm to meet the demand for certified seeds in this region.
“When pulses are raised as rice-fallow cultivation, the epidemic YMV incidences are very common. YMV disease is a major perennial problem faced by the farmers, as it causes a loss of more than 50 per cent to the cultivating farmers and thus has a direct bearing on their livelihoods,” said J. Daniel Chellappa, Senior Scientist, Technical Coordination Wing, BARC, Chennai.
After ascertaining the infrastructure facilities at the farm, BARC supplied 20 kg of the seed for the trial conducted at the farm.
“The Trombay variety has now proved and demonstrated its phenomenal cent per cent resistance to the killer-virus at Karaiyiruppu seed farm. The local farmers are excited and firmly believe that TU-94-2 would certainly enhance their livelihoods,” Dr. Chellappa said.
The Department of Agriculture, which is immensely satisfied with the performance, has now approached BARC for supply of 100 kg of TU-94-2 for cultivating, multiplying and popularising the superior variety for the benefit of the farmers during the current fiscal.
Crop grown in State-owned 83.59-acre seed farm at Karaiyiruppu to assess its superior properties and adaptability

Source : The Hindu