Dharwad : In a major boost to climate-resilient agriculture, the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, has developed 14 high-yielding and water-efficient crop varieties designed to help farmers cope with erratic rainfall, drought-like conditions and rising pest infestations across Kittur-Karnataka and Kalyana-Karnataka.
The new varieties, covering millets, cereals, pulses, oilseeds and cotton, will be introduced to farmers during Krishi Mela-2026 from Sept 25 to 28. The sorghum hybrid DSH-6 offers nearly 19% higher grain yield than existing hybrids and also produces significantly more fodder, making it a dual-purpose crop. It matures in about 105 days, enabling farmers to harvest earlier. The maize hybrid GH 21547 yields about 82 quintals per hectare, nearly 15% more than the widely cultivated Dharma variety, while the green gram variety DGG-9 yields up to 15 quintals per hectare and outperforms the existing DGG-1. Among oilseeds, the soybean variety DSb-7 combines higher productivity with resistance to soybean rust and contains 38% protein and 22% oil, enhancing both its nutritional and commercial value. The sunflower hybrid KBSH-88, suited to rainfed and semi-arid regions, matures in 84 days, is resistant to downy mildew and contains 59.4% oleic acid, making it attractive for edible oil production. The niger variety DNV-2 has improved resistance to Alternaria leaf spot disease and provides stable yields under rainfed conditions. DWB-20 is resistant to leaf and stem rust, yields 3,521kg per hectare and has good chapati and bakery-making qualities, while DWB-18 contains 14.2% protein, making it a nutritionally superior option. The new safflower variety DSAF-2 matures in about 130 days and has a yield potential of 1,920kg per hectare, providing another oilseed option for rabi farmers. The pearl millet hybrid DPMH-4 recorded a grain yield of 2,852kg per hectare, while the brown top millet variety DBTM-1 offers both grain and fodder yield, making it well suited for dryland farming. The university has also developed the mustard variety TDM-305 and the desi cotton variety DhCV-1, which has a yield potential of 778kg per hectare and is well suited to the agro-climatic conditions of North Karnataka.
UAS vice-chancellor Prof NB Prakash said the varieties have undergone multi-location trials and demonstrated higher yields, improved drought tolerance, disease resistance and shorter crop durations, making them suitable for changing climatic conditions. For the rabi season, UAS has also developed two improved wheat varieties. As part of its efforts to promote nutritious and climate-resilient crops, UAS has also developed two new millet varieties.
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Prof Prakash said the new varieties are expected to improve productivity, conserve water and provide farmers with better protection against climate variability, while also enhancing nutritional and economic returns. Download the TOI App.