ICAR to release four new maize varieties in NE

Aizawl, Oct 12 (UNI) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Northeast region, is all set to release four new varieties of maize and two of brinjal.

Talking to UNI here today, ICAR director Dr Bujarbarua said the scientists working on the varieties were satisfied and the Centre is planning to release them within couple of months.

''We have done trial production of both maize and brinjal in the ICAR farm with fair results. We are certain that these new categories will produce more'', he added.

The director said the scientists working in the Centre are generally more concerned to develop suitable varieties for the hilly region.

At present about 130 scientists are engaged in 206 institutionally and 25 externally funded projects in ICAR, he said, adding the ICAR has also bagged three internationally funded projects.

The projects include screening and development of crop varieties, intensive integrated farming system models, bio-technical research for both crop and livestock in the genetic research division, development of farm implements, use of plastic in agriculture and macro water-based farming.

Besides, the ICAR has also developed a new pig variety, indigenous ornamental fish breeding and technology for organic agriculture, he said.

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