A team from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), spearheaded by Professor Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, has engineered several high-yielding carrot varieties. This research, in partnership with USAID, USDA/ARS, and Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System, analyzed 56 US carrot varieties and 24 local varieties.
Traditional carrot cultivation yields approximately 10 tons per hectare, but these new varieties are projected to yield 30 to 40 tons per hectare. Notably, these carrots are suitable for warm, drought-prone areas of Bangladesh.
Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid stated that these high-yielding carrots can be harvested within 70 to 80 days, with individual carrots weighing 200 to 250 grams. Successful cultivation has been achieved in drought-prone areas of northern Bangladesh.
The professor also mentioned the possibility of cultivating various colored carrots, rich in Vitamin A, anthocyanin, and antioxidants. He emphasized the health benefits of these antioxidants, as well as their potential use as natural food coloring.
Currently, Bangladesh imports 99% of its carrot seeds, mostly hybrid varieties, at significant cost. The team is working to develop seeds from these new high-yielding varieties, which could provide farmers with affordable seeds and save the government a substantial amount in foreign exchange.
Source: unb.com.bd