Mon Jun 23 11:53:20 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text, suitable for a publication like “The Hindu”:
**Original Text Summary:**
Farmers in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, have been struggling with yellow mosaic virus affecting greengram and blackgram crops, leading to decreased cultivation. The Department of Seed Certification and Organic Certification, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Pulse Research in Kanpur, has established demonstration plots using disease-resistant varieties of these crops. Initial results are promising, with varieties like greengram LGG 600 and blackgram Kota 5 showing resistance and good yield potential. Field Days are being held to educate farmers about these varieties and encourage their adoption for future seasons.
**News Article:**
**Disease-Resistant Greengram and Blackgram Varieties Offer Hope to Thanjavur Farmers**
**TIRUCHI, June 23, 2025** – Farmers in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, are facing renewed hope for their greengram and blackgram crops, thanks to the introduction of disease-resistant varieties. The Department of Seed Certification and Organic Certification, in collaboration with the ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulse Research in Kanpur, has established demonstration plots showcasing the potential of these new strains.
For the past few years, farmers in the region have suffered significant losses due to the yellow mosaic virus, which decimated greengram and blackgram yields. This led many farmers to abandon cultivation of these crops altogether, switching to alternatives or purchasing potentially ineffective seeds from private dealers.
“The area under blackgram and greengram cultivation has been steadily declining due to the persistent disease attacks,” explains D. Gopalakrishnan, Assistant Director of Seed Certification, Thanjavur. “We reached out to the Indian Institute of Pulse Research to source seeds of disease-resistant varieties.”
The demonstration plots feature approximately 20 varieties, including the promising greengram LGG 600, which has reached the flowering stage rapidly and is expected to be ready for harvest in just 60 days. Officials are also enthusiastic about the blackgram Kota 5 variety, noting its resistance to disease. The Kota 3 variety has been tested on a smaller scale, showing positive results.
“LGG 600 is particularly appealing because it is suitable for machine harvest, a major advantage given the current labor shortages,” said G. Vidya, Joint Director of Agriculture, during a Field Day held at Vengarayankudikadu near Thanjavur. The Field Day provided an opportunity for farmers to learn about the features of the disease-resistant strains.
Officials are closely monitoring the crops in the demonstration plots and plan to recommend the most suitable varieties to farmers for the next planting season. The department will also provide ongoing support to ensure farmers have access to these seeds. This initiative aims to revitalize greengram and blackgram cultivation in the Thanjavur delta region, providing a more sustainable and profitable future for local farmers.
First Piper 