Variety of beans: Increased crop production from zorin beans, this purple variety is climate friendly

Mizoram, the beautiful state of North East, attracts tourists due to its natural beauty. Flowers and fruits are cultivated extensively in this hilly region. Fruits include Mediterranean orange, banana, grape, pineapple and papaya etc. There are many cultivars of flowers like Anthurium, Word of Paradise, Orchid, Chrysasethemum, and Rose. In addition, farmers also cultivate French beans. French beans are the main cash crop of the Lucy Hills region of Mizoram. For some time now, the farmers here are earning good profit by producing a special variety of beans, Zorin beans.  

Some Varieties of French Beans 

Mizoram-based ICAR-Research Complex for North-Eastern Hills Region released several high yielding French beans varieties in 2016-2017. Among these varieties are Pusa Parvati, Arka Komal and Arka Sarath. However, the newly released varieties did not show significant increase in productivity. The production of new varieties was less as compared to the traditional variety. The new variety also suffers due to excessive rainfall in the monsoon season. These varieties were also prone to diseases and pests such as pod bug and Fusarium rot.

Identification of Zorin Beans 

Local French beans had a higher winter yield under irrigated conditions than the newer varieties. In view of the high yield potential of local French beans, the ICAR-Research Complex in Mizoram in partnership with the Directorate of Agriculture (Research and Extension) in collaboration with the Government of Mizoram initiated the collection of genetic resources in the crop. Then started the trial in many places.  

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As a result, French beans with high production of purple colour were identified. It is known as zorin beans. It was released for the first time in Mizoram on 5th March 2019 by the State Variety Release Committee (SVRC). This variety became very popular due to its distinctive purple colour, high productive capacity and climate friendly nature.

Initiatives to increase seed production 

Not only did the zorin beans become popular, along with it the demand for its seeds also increased. In view of this, the Central Government started Entrepreneurship Development Program on Quality Seed Production under the tribal sub plan in the fields of farmers. Under the TSP scheme, information about all the necessary things like seeds, fertilizers, irrigation and plant protection measures were made available to the farmers. They were given the facility to increase the number of quality seeds of zorin beans during the winter months in the moist rice field of Kolasib. Many farmers adopted this venture to produce a lot of seeds to meet the growing demand in the state. The Centre’s initiative helped in implementing the principle of ‘Vocal for Local’ in Mizoram towards becoming self-reliant in future seed production under the Tribal Sub Plan programme.

Zorin beans are no less than a boon for Mizoram farmers. Due to its unique colour and high production capacity, its demand has increased, which has improved the economic condition of the farmers.  

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Contact us: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to kisanofindia.mail@gmail.com or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.

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