One new variety each of three vegetables — bittergourd, bottlegourd and vegetable pea — developed by the scientists of G B Pant University of Agriculture have been released by the Uttarakhand State Variety Release Committee.

According to university officials, Pant Karela-3 is an early-duration and high-yielding variety of bittergourd. The fruit is cylindrical and around 24 cm in length. Officials claim that the yield potential of this variety is 150-160 quintal per hectare.

The new bottlegourd variety, named Pant Lauki-4, is a medium-duration and high-yielding. It has long hairy fruits and is 40 cm in length. The variety bears heavily and is suitable for plain and hilly areas of north India. Officials say the yield potential of the variety is 350 quintal per hectare. Pant Vegetable Pea-5 is an early-maturing variety whose plant is dwarf. The pods are long, well-filled and slightly curved towards the tip. The seeds are green and wrinkle at maturity. The biggest advantage of the variety is that it is resistant to the powdery mildew disease. The first green pod picking can be done within 60 to 65 days and seed maturity is recorded in 100 to 110 days after sowing. Its green pod yield potential is 90-100 quintals per hectare. The variety is suitable for cultivation in Kumaon hills and the plains of Uttarakhand.

A spokesperson of the university said the new varieties of the vegetables are being promoted in the Kisan Melas held in the region. “The farmers are being told of their excellent results that have come to light in the trial stages of their growth. We are now eagerly awaiting the response of the farmers to our initiative,” he added.