BAU research team develops several high-yielding varieties of carrots

FE Team | Published: February 01, 2024 21:03:27

A team of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), led by Prof Dr Md Harun Ar Rashid of the Horticulture Department of the university, has developed several high-yielding varieties of carrots, reports UNB.
The research, conducted in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA/ARS), and Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System, involved the study of 56 varieties of carrot from the United States and 24 varieties from various regions of Bangladesh.
While the average yield of carrot on per hectare of land in the country is around 10 tonnes using traditional methods, the newly developed high-yielding carrot varieties are expected to yield between 30 to 40 tonnes per hectare.
Additionally, these carrots are suitable for cultivation in warm and drought-prone areas of the country, according to the research team.
Regarding the cultivation of these high-yielding varieties, Dr Md Harun Ar Rashid said these carrots can be harvested within 70 to 80 days, with each carrot weighing 200 to 250 grams.
These new carrot verities have been successfully cultivated in various drought-prone areas of northern Bangladesh, such as Kaunia upazila in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, and Ishwardi upazila in Pabna, he told the news agency.
The cultivation of these carrots will help change the fortunes of farmers in areas where potato yields are high.
The professor said although orange colour carrots are available in the country, the cultivation of various other colours of carrots such as red, white, yellow, and violet, which are rich in Vitamin A, anthocyanin, and antioxidants, is possible now.
"The antioxidants present in these carrots help boost the body's immune system, reduce the risk of heart disease, and lower the risk of cancer. The vibrant colors of these carrots also provide natural and safe food colouring options for various food including cakes and ice creams," he said.