74 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
DHM 105) were released having desirable traits like high productivity and tolerance to
various biotic and abiotic stresses. High-priority given to develop better production and
protection for Pulses and Oilseeds in view of the urgent need to increase their production
in the country. Many highyieling-improved varities were developed. The important ones are:
Pigeonpea Hybrid, ICPH-8; Chick-pea Varities, Pushja 256 (wide adaptability with bold
seeds) and PBG-1 (tolerant to ascochyta blight), Mungbean Varities PDD 54 (early maturing),
Pusa 105 (Powdery mildew resistant) and Mothbean Varity Moth-880 for rained conditions.
The importance development of Malviya Rajmah-15 is another landmark for increasing total
production of Pulses in the Country.
Research efforts on-coarse grains like pearl Milled and Small Millets has led to
development of several high-yielding varities and hybrids. The extra short duration (about
70 days) Pear Millet Hybrid HHB67, Resistant to Downy Mildew was released for Semi-arid
Areas of Western Rajasthan, Kutch, Haryana and commercial cultivation. Variety VL-149
of Finger Millet maturing in about 1900-105 days having multiple resistances to pests and
diseases was identified for release. Two hybrids and two varieties of Sweet Sorghum for
Sugar and Syrup Production and Two Barley Varieties, which will go a long way in stabilizing,
yield of these crops.
There was record production of 114 lakh bales of cotton and India is now in a position
of exporting cotton, yarn and texitiles cultivation of Cotton Hybrids. Recently, Two Desi
Hybrids and a Hybrid with Cytoplasmic Base were released for cultivation. Research efforts
have been intensified for developing Short-duration Hybrids for North Indian Conditions.
Similarly, record production of (2,242) lakh tones of Sugarcanes was obtained using improved
varities and practicing better Crop Management Recommendations. New thrust has been
given on quality seed in adaptive research for further increasing production and productivity
of Sugarcanes. High-yielding varities and production technology for all types of Tobacco
have been developed and efforts are being made to develop varities possessing Low Nicotine
and Tar Contents.
Production of quality seed is a vital link in the spread of new varities and, hence, this
programme was given a very high-priority by executing National Seed Project. Phase III of
this project has been taken up for accelerating the development of High Quality Breeder
Seed.
Conservation of Valuable Plant Genetic Resources is vital for the success of Crop
Improvement Programme. National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resource established in 1976
is acting as a nodal Institute for the important activities related to collection, conservation
and exchange of Germ plasm. Lately over 2400 Germ-plasm accessions were added to over
one lakh accessions already conserved in the Gene Bank for long-term conservation. To
further strengthen the research efforts on conservation has been launched at NBPGR, New
Delhi.
Sustainability and environmental quality have been the major considerations for
Developing Crop Protection Programmes. Major thrust was given in promotion of Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) concept in all major crops. This included biology control of crops
pests and diseases; mass multiplication and development of appropriate systems for
dissemination of biological gents and use of novel methods such as insect growth regulators,
Pheromones, Kairmones, etc. Development of mass multiplication and field release