###Unprecedented Achievement by an Agricultural University in India

Udaipur, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) has set a remarkable benchmark by successfully getting three medicinal crop varieties—Pratap Ashwagandha-1, Pratap Isabgol-1, and Pratap Asaliya-1—notified simultaneously for cultivation in Rajasthan. This is a first-of-its-kind achievement by any agricultural university in India under a single research project, where three medicinal crop varieties have been notified together. With this, farmers in Rajasthan will now be able to cultivate these crops on a larger and more structured scale.

According to Dr. Arvind Verma, Director of Research at MPUAT, farmers in Rajasthan have been cultivating Isabgol, Ashwagandha, and Asaliya for generations due to their medicinal importance. However, with the official notification of these scientifically developed varieties, farmers are set to gain even greater benefits. The decision was formalized during the 32nd meeting of the Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notification, and Release of Horticultural Crops, chaired by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Science), ICAR, New Delhi.

Unique Traits and Medicinal Benefits of the New Varieties

Dr. Amit Dadhich, Principal Investigator and Breeder of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, funded by ICAR and hosted at MPUAT, provided details about the unique features of the new varieties:

Pratap Isabgol-1:
Yields an average of 1,207 kg/ha of seeds. The crop matures in just 115 days, earlier than other varieties, and shows multiple disease resistance. Isabgol is known for its medicinal properties, aiding in issues such as constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, obesity, diabetes, and dehydration. As a dietary fiber, it improves digestion and promotes healthy bowel function.

Pratap Ashwagandha-1:
This is the first Ashwagandha variety developed and notified from Rajasthan. It yields an average of 421 kg/ha of dry roots and also has strong resistance to multiple diseases. A staple of Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is renowned for its stress-relieving and rejuvenating properties. It enhances sleep, strength, and mental clarity.

Pratap Asaliya (Aliya)-1:
Offers a high average seed yield of 2,028 kg/ha and matures in 111 days, earlier than other varieties. It is disease-resistant and suited for Rabi season cultivation with low cost, low water, and minimal resources. Botanically known as Lepidium sativum and a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), this crop is effective in treating anemia, skin disorders, digestive problems, gas issues, eye irritation, fatigue, and for promoting growth.

Consistent Milestones by MPUAT: Dr. Karnataka

Vice Chancellor Dr. Ajeet Kumar Karnataka expressed pride in this triple notification of medicinal crop varieties, calling it a golden achievement for MPUAT. He highlighted that apart from research and extension, the university is setting new benchmarks in entrepreneurship development. In recent years, the university has been awarded 54 patents, and successfully registered three goat breeds—Sirohi, Gujri, and Karauli—at the national level. This year, the university has also developed new varieties like Chetak (opium), PHM-6 (maize), and Pratap Groundnut-4, all aimed at benefitting the farming community of Rajasthan.