Dr. Anant Bahadur, a distinguished Principal Scientist at the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) in Varanasi, has spearheaded a transformative shift in grafting techniques for essential vegetables like brinjal, potato, tomato, and chili within the Solanaceae family. Holding both graduate and post-graduate degrees in Agriculture from Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, and a PhD focusing on the effects of growth regulators on vegetative growth, yield, and quality of Kagzi lime from BHU, Dr. Bahadur’s expertise is unparalleled.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Dr. Anant Bahadur sheds light on the pivotal role of grafting in agricultural progress. He elucidates its significance in breeding hybrid plants capable of not only increasing crop yields but also bolstering resistance against diseases and thriving in adverse environmental conditions. Dr. Bahadur’s groundbreaking research and insights can revolutionize agricultural practices, offering sustainable solutions to global food security challenges.
Q: How would you describe the goals, progress, and key components of your Brimato project?
A: Heavy rain in September often leads to waterlogging, a significant challenge for tomato plants, as it results in root damage and eventual plant death. This issue is widespread among farmers in India, severely affecting crop yields and livelihoods. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) initiated a comprehensive project to develop a sustainable solution. Our objective was clear: to create a hybrid plant capable of withstanding waterlogging while maintaining robust fruit production.
After thorough research and analysis of various genetic factors, we determined that grafting tomato and brinjal plants would yield the desired results. The resulting hybrid, Brimato, exhibited remarkable resilience and productivity. Last year, Brimato plants boasted impressive yields, with individual specimens producing 3-4 kg of brinjal and 2.0-2.5 kg of tomatoes. Despite these successes, challenges persist in scaling up Brimato production to meet demand.
However, there is optimism as some farmers, having undergone training provided by our institute, are now independently cultivating grafted tomato or brinjal plants, contributing to the wider adoption of this innovative approach in agriculture.
Q: How do grafting techniques offer benefits in terms of enhancing plant growth and resilience?
A: Grafting is fundamentally anchored in the compatibility among plant families, particularly evident when they share lineage, such as our specimens from Solanaceae. This intrinsic relationship fosters the survival of newly created hybrids, enriching them with superior symbiotic traits. Beyond merely diversifying flora, grafting offers a substantial boon to both quantity and quality.
Furthermore, grafting represents a transformative opportunity for the average farmer. By significantly amplifying plant output, advancing genetic diversity, and fortifying resistance against diseases, it empowers agriculturalists to extract greater yields and a wider array of cultivars, irrespective of their land’s size constraints.
Q: How extensive is your experience with grafting within the Solanaceae family?
A: In addition to our innovative agricultural advancements, we’ve engineered a groundbreaking hybrid plant, the “pomato,” blending the desirable traits of potatoes and tomatoes. These hybrid plants exhibit remarkable high-yield characteristics, with each pomato yielding approximately 600 grams of potatoes and an impressive 2.5 kilograms of tomatoes. Envision the transformative benefits awaiting farmers who embrace this scientific marvel, ushering in a new era of productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
Q: What projects do you have planned for the future?
A: Our research endeavors now pivot towards harnessing the potential of various inter-specific rootstocks within Solanaceous and Cucurbitaceous vegetables, encompassing both cultivated and wild species. The overarching goal is to augment productivity while fortifying resilience against an array of soil-borne diseases. Encouraging strides have already been made in Cucurbitaceous vegetables such as Cucumber, bitter gourd, and muskmelon, indicating promising avenues for further exploration.
Moreover, we are actively sourcing seeds of specialized rootstocks from diverse channels to broaden our scope and enhance our outcomes. Notably, the cultivation of grafted plants like pomato and brimato not only promises practical advantages but also carries inherent aesthetic appeal, rendering them particularly suited for cultivation in confined urban spaces like balconies or terraces, nestled within pots.
34 Comments
Fantastic site. Lots of helpful information here. I¦m sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you for your sweat!
Some truly nice stuff on this website , I like it.
Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
After research a couple of of the blog posts in your web site now, and I really like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site listing and will probably be checking back soon. Pls take a look at my web page as effectively and let me know what you think.
This web page is known as a stroll-by means of for all of the data you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and also you’ll definitely uncover it.
There are some fascinating closing dates on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There is some validity but I will take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as properly
What¦s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help other customers like its helped me. Great job.
whoah this blog is excellent i love reading your articles. Keep up the good work! You know, a lot of people are hunting around for this information, you could help them greatly.
A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Wonderful job!
I gotta favorite this site it seems invaluable extremely helpful
Keep working ,fantastic job!
I haven’t checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Thank you for any other informative website. The place else could I get that type of info written in such an ideal way? I’ve a undertaking that I am just now running on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such information.
I’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to achieve my goals. I absolutely enjoy reading all that is written on your website.Keep the stories coming. I loved it!
You are my inhalation, I possess few web logs and often run out from to brand.
I just could not depart your site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard information an individual provide to your visitors? Is gonna be again regularly to check out new posts
I really like your writing style, wonderful information, thanks for putting up : D.
you are really a good webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a magnificent job on this topic!
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.
I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, appreciate it for all the great content.
Great article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thanks in advance 🙂
Awsome info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to get some professional writers? Thx 🙂
you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a fantastic job on this topic!
fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to start. Do you have any points or suggestions? Many thanks
I precisely needed to appreciate you once again. I’m not certain what I might have handled without the points discussed by you about such a subject matter. It became an absolute challenging concern in my view, but taking a look at the very skilled form you resolved it took me to jump for delight. I am happier for the help and in addition believe you recognize what a powerful job you happen to be putting in training people today by way of your web page. I know that you’ve never come across all of us.
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Appreciate it
Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is magnificent, as well as the content!
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …
I have been reading out some of your articles and i must say nice stuff. I will definitely bookmark your site.
You actually make it appear so easy along with your presentation however I to find this topic to be actually one thing that I believe I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and very wide for me. I am having a look forward to your next put up, I will attempt to get the hold of it!
Someone essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular publish extraordinary. Excellent job!
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Lovely website! I am loving it!! Will be back later to read some more. I am taking your feeds also