How the new variety of Sikkim Pahelo Dal-3 was developed

GANGTOK, 24 Jan: A new variety of Pahelo Dal, SKM PD-3 (Sikkim Pahelo Dal-3 ) developed by the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong was released by the Sikkim State Seed Subcommittee on 17 January. The program on identification of a new variety of Pahelo Dal was started under the leadership of Dr. H. Rahman (Former, Joint Director) of the Centre during 2006, informs an ICAR press release.
Various germplasm of Pahelo Dal were collected from locations across the state and then evaluated at the Research farm of ICAR, Sikkim centre, Tadong, Gangtok. The identified strain was then tested across all the four districts of the state for 2-3 years with the help of State Agriculture officers, KVK coordinators and various extension workers of the State Agriculture departments, the release informs.
The varietal development team comprised of Dr. R Karuppaiyan, Dr. H Rahman, Chandan Kapoor, Dr. SV Ngachan from ICAR and  SK Sinha, and Dr. Yashoda Pradhan from the State Agriculture Department. Earlier Sikkim Sarson-1 (Yellow sarson) and NLD white (maize) have been released by ICAR for commercial cultivation in Sikkim.
The release mentions that the new variety of Pahelo dal will be helpful for the farming community as it is the most important pulse crop of the region and in heavy demand round the year. The variety yield is comparatively high (8.5 quintals/ha) as compared to traditional local Pahelo Dal.
Some of the improved characteristics include determinate growth, synchronous habit, medium duration and fairly tolerant to blight disease. The variety is suitable for the mid-hills of Sikkim. The seed of the variety will be commercially available after notification in the Central State Seed committee, the release adds.