MOKHILA (RANGA REDDY DIST), MARCH 27
With reports suggesting resurgence of sucking pests, Shriram Bioseed has come out with a solution to address the problem. It sold 1.32 lakh packets of Yuava in the last kharif, which Paresh Verma, Research Director of Bioseed Research India claims, significantly reduces sprays to control sucking pests. Bioseed is an arm of the DCM Shriram Consolidated Limited. Sucking pests such as jassids have been causing severe losses to the cotton crop.
NON-BOLLWARM THREATS: Though the farmers are getting genetic technology (Bt-II) to ward off bollworms, farmers are relying on insecticides and pesticides to get rid of the non-bollworm threats. (Bt cotton is armed with the technology only to tackle bollworms.) “We have developed the variety by choosing the natural attribute that shows significant resistance to such pests.
We used a trait from a cotton germplasm we have in our bank. Going by the demand for Yuava, we are hoping to sell about five lakh packets in the upcoming kharif season. “We have seen interest for this product in Guntur, Warangal and Karimnagar where the jassid problem is high,” Paresh Verma told reporters, before showcasing the field trials of various crops here.
The variety, however, continues to offer the BG-II protection against bollworms.It has a market share of 12 per cent (of 3.58 crore packets) in the cottonseed business.
HYBRID RICE: It’s share in the hybrid rice market (30,000 tonnes) is put at eight per cent and in 10 per cent in the corn market of 80,000 tonnes. The company, which registered a turnover of Rs 391 crore in 2011-12, is looking at a growth of 25 per cent this financial year.
NEW TOMATO HYBRID: It is pinning hopes on a new tomato hybrid (Bio 90) that can withstand prolonged transportation of up to two weeks. “Generally the juicy tomatoes are to be transported overnight,” he said. The firm is also working on drought-tolerant and salinity-
resistance rice varieties. (Source: The Hindu Businessline)