Improved varieties of Field and Horticultural crops for Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

It is a well established fact that cultivation of high yielding, stress resilient and good quality varieties plays an important role in enhancing and sustaining the crop productivity of a particular area. It is also perceived that varietal technology is simple to adopt, economically viable, eco-friendly and socially acceptable for higher productivity. Andaman & Nicobar Islands are endowed with exuberant and vibrant mosaic of ago-biodiversity thus figuring among 22 agro-biodiversity hotspots in India. Of the 576 Islands, only about 30 are inhabited and of the total geographical area, only about 5-7 % is under agriculture and thus maximum area is under forests cover due to ecological considerations. Therefore area for agri- horticultural cultivation cannot be expanded and thus vertical growth of productivity is the only option. In addition, “Organic agriculture” which relies on zero or minimal application of chemical inputs is perceived as the effective approach towards protecting the sensitive marine and terrestrial biota from the ill- effects of harmful chemicals. Moreover the inherent geographical isolation of the islands also restricts the uniform spread and adoption of new technologies. Climate change is another looming threat which is perceived to strike islands more as compared to mainland.

Under such a challenging scenario, the selection, development and adoption of island specific varieties possessing higher yield, resistance/ tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses with other preferred traits is vital for reaping higher productivity and economic gains in a sustainable manner. Moreover, the variety method for achieving higher productivity per unit crop area is considered as the most simple, economical, eco-friendly and socially acceptable approach. In this regard, ICAR-CIARI Port Blair, has developed about 30 varieties of various field and horticultural crops. The majority of these varieties are derived from the locally adapted germplasm material through pure line selection. This indicates their higher chances of adaptability and performance under local conditions.

Therefore, in this technical bulletin, we have endeavored to compile and document the detailed information about each of these varieties. We are grateful to Dr. N.K. Krishna Kumar, Deputy Director General (Horticulture Science), ICAR for his kind inspiration, support and guidance. The authors are immensely thankful to Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair for encouragement and support for this work. We also feel grateful to all the scientists and other staff members who were directly or indirectly associated with the development of these varieties for the service of these Islands and country. It is hoped that this technical bulletin will be of great benefit and interest to the researchers, line departments like Directorate of Agriculture, NGOs and farmers etc. Efforts are also being taken up for the notification of these varieties and spread through seed production and multiplication through line departments. It is aimed at to achieve higher productivity and profitability in a sustainable manner through cultivation of improved varieties of field and horticultural crops from the islands.