Okra is one of the most important vegetables cultivated and consumed allover India. It is rich in many nutrients and particularly high in vitamin C and K. Okra is rich source of antioxidants which reduce risk of serious diseases, prevent inflammation and contribute to overall health. It contains polyphenols which is beneficial to heart and brain health. Okra contains a protein called lectin, which is anti cancerous.
Okra variety Kashi Chaman has been developed at ICAR- Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi in the year 2019 and can be cultivated in both summer and rainy season. This variety is tolerant to Yellow Vain Mosaic Virus (YVMV) and Okra Enation Leaf Curl Virus (OELCV) diseases which are the most dangerous diseases for okra crop and a major problem in okra cultivation. The yield potential of this variety is 21.66% more in its sector. Due to it’s yield potential this variety is becoming popular in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and has already covered around 10 thousand ha area at farmer’s field and one of them is Shri. Upendra Singh Patel from Bangalipur village, Araziline block, Varanasi.
Shri Patel had sown seeds of okra variety Kashi Chaman on 10th July 2021 in 10 biswa (0.3 acre) land and followed scientific package of practices for okra production and used recommended fertilizers and chemicals as suggested by the scientists. First flush of okra fruit was harvested 46 days after sowing i.e. on 25th August 2021. After that he had taken regular harvest of 35 to 40 kg okra in 3 to 4 days interval and had taken 19 harvests up to last week of October with total yield 668 kg in 90 days duration form 0.3 acre of land with net profit of Rs. 21,376/- after deducting cost of cultivation and transportation cost to the market.