Scientists at the Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, have introduced a new sorghum variety, Pratap Jowar 2510, aimed at enhancing the productivity of farmers in Rajasthan. This development is the result of research efforts at the All India Sorghum Research Project, Udaipur, which has been operational since 1970.
Dr. Arvind Verma, Director of Research at MPUAT, highlighted the importance of sorghum in Rajasthan's south-eastern regions, particularly in rain-fed areas where it serves as a dual-purpose crop- providing both grain and animal fodder. He pointed out that approximately 6.4 lakh hectares in the state are devoted to sorghum cultivation, with the primary regions being Ajmer, Nagaur, Pali, Tonk, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, and Bhilwara.
Since the inception of the All India Sorghum Research Project, 11 sorghum varieties have been approved, including Rajchari-1, CSV 10, and Pratap Sorghum 1430. The latest variety, Pratap Sorghum 2510, was officially notified for Rajasthan in the Gazette of the Government of India on October 9, 2024, under letter number 40271.
Project in-charge Dr. Hemlata Sharma shared that Pratap Sorghum 2510 is a medium-duration variety, maturing in 105 to 110 days. This high-yielding variety can produce 40-45 quintals of grain per hectare and 130-135 quintals of dry fodder per hectare. Additionally, it demonstrates strong resistance to diseases such as anthracnose and zonet, as well as pests like stem fly and stem borer.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka, Vice Chancellor of MPUAT, noted that while sorghum is primarily cultivated for fodder in Rajasthan, the International Year of Millets celebrated in 2023 raised public awareness of its nutritional benefits. Sorghum is gluten-free, making it suitable for various food products like porridge, bread, and cakes. Furthermore, its grains are utilized for producing edible oil, starch, and dextrose. By adopting scientific cultivation practices, farmers in Rajasthan can significantly enhance their sorghum yields and enjoy greater economic returns.
