Chandigarh, March 12 –Haryana has attained first position in the bajra production by producing about 18 quintals per hectare during the year 2010-11.
This was stated by Research Director, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar Dr R.P Narwal in a meeting of scientists working on All India Integrated Bajra Research Project, at Hisar today.
About 100 scientists participated in the meeting to review the achievements of the project and formulate future strategies. He said that the state had also made a record production of bajra during the year 2008-09.Presently, 11.75 metric tonnes of bajra was being produced in 6.61 million hectares of land. The University has developed 12 better yielding varieties of bajra crop suited as per the changing conditions.While inaugurating the meeting, Vice Chancellor, CCSHAU, Dr K.S Khokhar stressed the need to provide more attention on bajra research. Demand of bajra has increased due to its nutritious value. He said that bajra ranked third in foodgrain after wheat and rice in our country. He said that combined efforts would be made for increasing the bajra crop production to achieve the target of second green revolution. Reasonable price of the crop would also be ensured for the farmers, he added.
Convenor, All India Integrated Bajra Research Project, Dr O.P Yadav said that production of bajra has been increased even after decrease in the area. He appreciated the efforts made by the scientists especially Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujrat and Tamilnadu for making their contribution. He urged the scientists to focus on the extension of bajra production technology. He opined that only use of new technology in bajra crop could enhance 30 per cent foodgrain production.