Answer» Correct Answer - Option 1 : Vallabhhai Vasrambhai Marvaniya
The Correct Answer is Vallabhhai Vasrambhai Marvaniya. - Madhuban Gajar, a biofortified carrot variety with high β-carotene and iron content developed by Shri Vallabhhai Vasrambhai Marvaniya, a farmer scientist from Junagadh, Gujarat
- He is benefitting more than 150 local farmers in the area.
- It is being planted in an area of over 200 hectares in Junagadh, and the average yield, which is 40-50 t/ha, has become the main source of income to the local farmers.
- The variety is being cultivated in more than 1000 hectares of land in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh during the last three years.
- The Madhuban Gajar is a highly nutritious carrot variety developed through the selection method with higher β-carotene content (277.75 mg/kg) and iron content (276.7 mg/kg) dry basis and is used for various value-added products like carrot chips, juices, and pickles.
- Among all the varieties tested, beta-carotene and iron content were found to be superior.
- During 1943, Shri Vallabhhai Vasrambhai Marvaniya found that a local carrot variety that was profoundly used for fodder to improve the quality of milk.
- He selectively cultivated this variety and sold this carrot in the market at a good price. Since then, he, along with his family, is working for the conservation and development of this cultivar. The production and marketing of seeds of the variety are taken care of by his son Shri Arvindbhai.
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