Diversity Appreciation Day on Okra conducted by this ICAR-NBPGR RS Thrissur on 28 Sep 2018

A Diversity Appreciation Day on Okra was conducted at ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station, Thrissur for the benefit of farmers/ farmer groups on 28 September 2018. Over 600 accessions of diverse indigenous and exotic germplasm of Okra were exposed to the farmers in the experimental farm in full fruiting stage. A total of 73 farmers from various parts of Kerala and the Eco-Club students of Thejus Engineering College, Thrissur participated in the event. The scientists of the station cleared all the queries and questions raised by the farmers on the cultivation practices of okra and the associated pests and diseases control. The farmers were given opportunity to select the germplasm of their choice for specific traits and were asked to pass on the list with their contact details to the station. On harvest of the germplasm, small quantity seeds of the selected accessions will be supplied to the farmers for cultivation and on-farm maintenance under the monitoring of the scientists of the station. Interested farmers were also shown the germplasm of bitter-less gourds, rice and other potential species.

The participation of Mr. Reji Joseph from Ranni in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, who entered the Limca Book of Records for maintaining an okra landrace with the longest fruits having 71 cm length was noteworthy and he shared his experience in the event and shown the fruits of his okra variety. Also, another farmer, Mr. P Prakasan of Kannur District of Kerala brought the fruits and seeds of African horned cucumber in the event, which the other participating farmers have seen for the first time.

(Source: Dr. K Joseph John, OIC, ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station Thrissur)