In a significant boost to vegetable farming in Telangana, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU) has developed a new high-yielding vegetable cowpea variety that has been approved for cultivation by the Telangana Department of Agriculture.
The newly developed variety is designed to provide higher productivity, superior nutritional value, and better returns to farmers. It reaches its first harvest within 50 to 55 days and is a bush-type, photo-insensitive variety, making it suitable for cultivation during both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
According to the university, the crop yields an average of 7 to 8 tonnes of green vegetable pods per acre within 85 days. The pods are light green, 15 to 20 cm long, and completely stringless, making them more convenient for consumers and the vegetable market.
The variety is also resistant to Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV), a major disease affecting cowpea cultivation. Nutritionally, it contains 22% protein and is rich in dietary fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It also has a high phenol content, enhancing its health benefits.
Notably, this is the first vegetable variety released by Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University since the formation of Telangana State, marking a major milestone in the university’s agricultural research.
The variety was developed by a team of scientists led by Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, along with Dr. Nikhil, Dr. Anitha Kumari, and Suchitra.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Danda Raji Reddy said the newly developed vegetable cowpea variety combines high yield, short crop duration, year-round cultivation, and superior nutritional quality. He expressed confidence that the variety would help farmers earn higher net profits while meeting the growing demand for nutritious vegetables.
The release of this improved cowpea variety is expected to strengthen vegetable production in Telangana and provide farmers with a profitable and sustainable cultivation option.
