Chandra Shekhar Azad University develops climate-adaptive azad barley 34 variety

Chandra Shekhar Azad Agricultural and Technology University in Kanpur has developed a new barley variety, Azad Barley 34 (KB 2031). This innovative variety is specifically designed to be climate-adaptive and disease-resistant, making it a significant advancement in agricultural technology. Dr. Vijay Kumar Yadav, the Director of Barley Seed and Field at the university, announced this breakthrough, highlighting its potential to improve barley farming in India.

The Central Variety Release Committee has recommended the release of Azad Barley 34 in October 2024. Currently, barley is cultivated over 6.28 lakh hectares in India, producing 19.2 lakh metric tons with an average yield of 30.4 quintals per hectare. In Uttar Pradesh, the crop covers 1.70 lakh hectares, yielding 5.82 metric tons and achieving a productivity rate of 34.13 quintals per hectare.

One of the key features of Azad Barley 34 is its tolerance to arid and saline soils. This trait makes it particularly beneficial for farmers working in marginal land conditions. The variety matures in just 134 days and produces grains that are plump, with a protein content of 12.15%. Furthermore, it demonstrates resistance to blight spot disease, enhancing its reliability for farmers.

The development team, including experts like Dr. P.K. Gupta and Dr. Somveer, has worked tirelessly to create a barley variety that meets the needs of modern agriculture while addressing food security challenges. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Anand Kumar Singh praised the team's efforts, expressing confidence that this new variety will significantly boost barley production across India. With the introduction of Azad Barley 34, the agricultural sector is poised for a transformation, enabling farmers to achieve higher yields and ensuring resilience against climate-related challenges.