Farmer’s Feedback on Betelvine Hybrid Received

20^th July 2022, Kurhe Panache

Farmers participatory evaluation of Betelvine Hybrid was undertaken at Kurhe Panache village, Bhusawal taluka, Jalagaon (Dist), Maharashtra for feedback of the farmers on the newly developed Betelvine Hybrid under ICAR-All India coordinated Research Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Betelvine (AICRP-MAP&B) by ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR), Bengaluru.

The hybrid, IIHR PBH 09-16 which is suitable for Kapoori type growing areas was evaluated along with the local Kapoori by Sri. Ramesh Bobde, a Betelvine farmer at Kurhe Panache village. Betelvine hybrids were developed with an objective to bring-in field resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses coupled with high leaf yield.

According to Shri Ramesh, IIHR PBH 09-16 hybrid had high leaf yield and better quality as compared to local Kapoori cultivars. It’s attractive light green colour leaves with mild pungency fetches higher market price than local cultivated variety. The hybrid showed field tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses and has produced good quality leaves throughout the year despite rise in temperature in the region, he added.

 “Availability of good quality leaves especially during summer in the hybrid is added advantage to the farmers” said Dr. Hima Bindu, betelvine breeder from ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru.  

The Farmer realized over all 25-30% more yield and 40% more income by cultivating hybrid. It is boon to the betelvine growers of the region where there is a fall in production during summer season due to high temperature, said Shri Ramesh.

A Betelvine Kisan Ghosti was held at Kurhi panache village in association with Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Jalgaon, KVK-Jalgaon and Betelvine Research Station, Mahatma Pule Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Rahuri.

Kisan Ghosti was inaugurated by Shri. Sanjay Waman Sawkare, MLA, Bhusawal.

Shri Sawkare, appreciated the ICAR’s efforts in Betelvine research by AICRP on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants & Betelvine and ICAR-IIHR. He urged to undertake more such trials for the benefit of farmers and to develop value added products from Betelvine.

More than 50 betelvine growers of nearby villages, officials from KVK and State departments attended the programme and visited the Betelvine hybrid field. The team also interacted with Betelvine farmers from Shirsoli Village, Jalgaon.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand, Gujarat)