The International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) on Sunday initiated an experiment to identify a jowar or sorghum genotype which could be beneficial to the local farmers in terms of its nutritional value and yield. Jowar has been a staple diet of people, especially the Adivasis, and hence the experiment that was initiated at Pataguda in Indervelli mandal of Adilabad district is significant.
Crop physiologist from ICRISAT, Jana Kholova, told The Hindu that the crop research giant had obtained a local variety of jowar to identify the other genotypes which resemble it so far as the main characteristics were concerned.
Six such genotypes and the indigenous variety of jowar were sown on Sunday in the field of Pataguda village headman, Sidam Tulsiram Patel, as part of rabi cultivation.
“The experiment is being done with the active involvement of the farmer so that he will be eventually able to choose the best of the genotypes. The experiment could be expanded to other areas in the coming seasons,” Ms. Kholova added.
