“Live-Virtual Field Demonstration” of Improved Soybean Varieties and Agronomic Practices

27^th September 2022, Indore

ICAR-Indian Instituteof Soybean Research, Indore organized a “Live Virtual Field Visit” of the Demonstration Plot of the field covering Improved Soybean Varieties and Production Technologies through 'YouTube channel' and 'Facebook page' today.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Director (in-charge), ICAR-IISR, said that through this "live virtual programme" the latest soybean varieties and other technologies & practices developed by the Institute will reach more and more farmers. He also briefed that the ICAR-IISR is formulating new strategies and mechanisms for the spread of the new varieties’ seed released by the Institute among the farmers of Madhya Pradesh. These varieties have resistance to insect/disease which at present are the serious concern to the soybean growers, he added.

Dr. B.U. Dupare (Principal Scientist and Head, Crop Production) informed that fourteen latest varieties of Soybean developed by the Institute have been put on display. He said that during this month more than 300 progressive farmers from various districts has visited Indore to gather information about the varieties planted in the demonstration plot of the Institute. Dr. Dupare said this live broadcast was organized especially for the small and marginal farmers of the country and the state, in which they can get information about soybean varieties and related technology on their mobile phones sitting at home.

This year, the Institute in its demonstration plot, have grown a total of 14 soybean varieties (NRC 130, NRC 138, NRC 142, NRC 150, NRC 152, NRC 127, NRC 128, NRC 136, J.S. 21-72, Himso 1689, RVSM 2011-35, R.S.C. 1046, R.S.C. 1052, and A.M.S. 100-39) recommended for different regions/states of the country on 1 ha plot area.

In addition, other agronomic practices especially useful in case of adverse weather conditions like drought and excessive rainfall e.g. soybean cultivation using Broad Bed Furrow/Ridge & Furrow method were demonstrated which are visited physically every year by the farmers of major soybean growing States of the country

The main attraction of this live programme was direct interaction of farmers with the breeders and scientists who developed these varieties and technologies. During the interaction farmers’ queries were addressed.

This innovative and novel method of “Live Virtual Field Demonstration programme” was attended by about more than 1000 farmers belonging to soybean growing states of the country.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Instituteof Soybean Research, Indore)