Role of hybridization in improving farmers’ fortunes
In the process of hybridization, the sperm of the sperm unites with the egg of the female. The union of sperm and ovum results in high yielding new varieties. High yielding crop varieties are the key to improving the fortunes of farmers.
Iri-8 rice was developed in the Philippines by crossing Peta rice from Indonesia and Dee-gee-woo-gen rice from Taiwan. The yield of Iri-8 rice is 90-100 maunds per acre. The yield of Iri-5 rice is 70-75 maunds per acre. High yielding Eri rice is Eri-20, Eri-28, Eri-29 etc. The fortunes of the farmers have improved by cultivating these high-yielding paddies.
Ericile rice was developed by artificially crossing Peta rice from Indonesia, TKM-6 rice from India and Tichu-1 rice from Taiwan. The yield of this rice is 70-75 maunds per acre. Erishail rice is widely cultivated at the farmer level.
Bangladesh Rice Research Center developed Birishail rice by crossbreeding BR-20 and BR-3. The four Ufshi rice varieties developed by the Bangladesh Rice Research Center are Chandina (BR-1), Mala (BR-2), Shahi Balam (BR-16) and Shrabani (BR-26). By cultivating these high yielding paddy, the fortune of the farmer has returned.
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BRRI) developed 17 Ufshi varieties of wheat through hybridization. High yielding wheat varieties are – Balaka, Akbar, Kanchan, Barkat and Saugat. Besides, BR-27 and BR-28 wheat are more improved. Cultivation of high yielding wheat has alleviated the scarcity of farmers.
Disease-resistant varieties are developed by artificially breeding cultivated disease-causing crops with wild disease-resistant crops. Disease resistant varieties of rice like Mukta (BR-11), Gazi (BR-14), Mohini (BR-15), Shahi Balam (BR-16). Cultivation of resistant varieties does not require the use of pesticides. Cost of crop production is low. Farmers can grow crops at low cost.
Artificial breeding has created varieties of plants that can grow in adverse environments. All these varieties can tolerate drought, flood, salinity etc. due to different characteristics. Farmers in any region can easily grow crops.
The characteristics of grain size, color, smell, taste etc. have been improved through artificial breeding. The market value of these characteristic crops is high. Farmers grow these crops and sell them at higher prices and make a profit.
Crops that mature at the same time are developed through artificial breeding. It saves effort and money in harvesting.
The seeds of many crops fall on the field. This reduces crop yield and farmers suffer. In artificial reproduction
Through artificial hybridization it has been possible to reduce the cultivation period of the crop to 20-30 days. Crops with a short growing season mature before the onset of floods, droughts, heavy rains, hailstorms, etc. At present, by cultivating these crops, farmers are saved from catastrophic natural disasters. The farmer’s face is smiling and fortunes are changing.