Rise of New Soybean and Snow Pea Varieties
Across the agrarian belts of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bihar, farmers are witnessing a tangible shift in their harvests thanks to two breakthrough varieties—the soybean called Swarna Vasundhara and a high‑yielding snow pea line. Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex in Ranchi, these varieties have moved from laboratory benches to farmer fields in record time, delivering higher yields, superior taste, and better nutritional profiles.
ICAR Ranchi’s Three‑Decade Research Journey
The ICAR Ranchi campus, located in the Plandu region, houses the Horticulture and Vegetable Science Division. Over nearly three decades, researchers have pursued a systematic breeding program aimed at improving staple legumes. Principal Scientist R.S. Pan, who leads the division, notes that the institute’s approach blends classical cross‑breeding with modern molecular markers, ensuring that each new variety is resilient, high‑yielding, and market‑ready.
Key milestones include:
- 1995‑2005: Introgression of disease‑resistant genes into local soybean lines.
- 2006‑2015: Development of cold‑tolerant pea lines for early‑season planting.
- 2016‑2022: Integration of nutritional enhancement traits—higher protein in soybean, sweeter pods in snow pea.
- 2023‑2024: Multi‑location trials confirming performance across varied soils and climate zones.
Introducing Swarna Vasundhara Soybean and the Snow Pea Variety
Swarna Vasundhara Soybean
- Yield potential: 2.8–3.2 t ha⁻¹, 20 % above the national average of 2.3 t ha⁻¹ (FAO, 2023).\
- Protein content: 42 % (dry weight), offering a premium for food‑processing units.\
- Disease resistance: Broad‑spectrum resistance to Phytophthora root rot and soybean mosaic virus.
Snow Pea Variety
- Pod length: 9–11 cm, with a crisp texture favored by urban markets.\
- Yield: 2.5–2.9 t ha⁻¹, 15 % higher than traditional local peas.\
- Climate adaptability: Performs well in both humid subtropical zones and cooler plateau regions.
Both varieties were released under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) and have already secured national awards for taste and nutritional value.
Agronomic Benefits for Farmers
| Benefit | Swarna Vasundhara Soybean | Snow Pea Variety |
|---|---|---|
| Yield increase | 20‑30 % over local checks | 12‑18 % over traditional peas |
| Input efficiency | Requires 15 % less nitrogen fertilizer | Can be intercropped with cereals, reducing overall field preparation costs |
| Disease resistance | Reduces pesticide use by ~40 % | Natural resistance to downy mildew |
| Water use | Tolerates mild drought, saving ~10 % irrigation water | Short growth cycle (70 days) limits water demand |
For farmers, these agronomic gains translate into lower production costs, higher gross margins, and reduced exposure to volatile input prices.
Nutritional and Market Advantages
The nutritional profile of Swarna Vasundhara places it among the top protein‑rich soybeans, making it attractive for soy‑milk, tofu, and animal‑feed manufacturers. Meanwhile, the snow pea variety offers a sweeter taste and a crunchy texture that fetches premium prices in urban supermarkets and export markets.
- Protein demand: Global soy protein market valued at USD 73 billion in 2023 (Statista). Indian demand is projected to grow 8 % annually.
- Export potential: India’s pea export volume reached 1.2 Mt in 2022, with a price premium of USD 150 per tonne for quality varieties.
By aligning production with these market trends, farmers can tap into higher-value supply chains rather than relying solely on bulk commodity sales.
Adoption Trends and Farmer Feedback
Since the official release in early 2024, over 12,000 hectares have been cultivated with the new varieties across Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. Survey data collected by the ICAR extension team highlights:
- 80 % of adopters report yield gains within the first season.
- 70 % note a reduction in pesticide sprays.
- 65 % say the market price for their harvest improved by at least 12 % compared with previous varieties.
One farmer from Ranchi district shared, “The Swarna Vasundhara beans gave me a bountiful crop with less need for chemicals. I could sell them at a better price to a local processor, and my family’s income rose noticeably.”
Practical Implementation Guide for Growers
1. Seed Selection and Procurement
- Obtain certified seeds from ICAR‑approved dealers or the state agricultural department.
- Verify germination rate (≥ 95 %) and purity (≥ 98 %).
2. Land Preparation
- Conduct a soil test; aim for pH 6.0‑6.8.
- Apply 30‑40 kg ha⁻¹ of organic compost to improve soil structure.
3. Sowing Schedule
- Soybean: Plant after the onset of monsoon (mid‑June) at 30‑35 cm row spacing.
- Snow Pea: Early sowing (late May) works best; inter‑crop with wheat or millets for added benefit.
4. Nutrient Management
| Nutrient | Recommended Dose (Soybean) | Recommended Dose (Snow Pea) |
|---|---|---|
| N (Nitrogen) | 60 kg ha⁻¹ (split) | 40 kg ha⁻¹ (single) |
| P₂O₅ | 40 kg ha⁻¹ | 30 kg ha⁻¹ |
| K₂O | 20 kg ha⁻¹ | 15 kg ha⁻¹ |
5. Irrigation Practices
- Apply 30‑40 mm of water at the vegetative stage; reduce irrigation after pod formation.
- Use drip or sprinkler systems for water‑use efficiency.
6. Pest & Disease Management
- Monitor for soybean aphids and pea rust; use pheromone traps and resistant scouting.
- Employ bio‑pesticides (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis) as a first line of defense.
7. Harvest and Post‑Harvest Handling
- Harvest soybeans when pods turn brown and moisture content falls below 13 %.
- Snow pea pods should be picked at 8‑10 cm length for optimal sweetness.
- Dry grains to 12 % moisture for storage; maintain a cool, ventilated store.
8. Market Linkage
- Register with state farmer producer organisations (FPOs) to access contract agreements with food processors.
- Explore direct sales to urban retailers via digital platforms such as e‑NAM.
By following these steps, farmers can maximise the benefits of the new varieties while minimizing risk.
Key Takeaways
- Higher yields: Swarna Vasundhara soybean and the snow pea variety consistently outperform local checks by 12‑30 %.
- Cost savings: Disease resistance and efficient water use lower input expenses for farmers.
- Nutritional edge: Both varieties deliver superior protein and taste, opening premium market channels.
- Rapid adoption: Over 12,000 hectares have been planted within a year, reflecting strong farmer confidence.
- Actionable steps: Seed certification, proper soil preparation, timely sowing, balanced nutrition, and market linkage are critical for success.
Future Outlook and Ongoing Research
ICAR Ranchi’s research team is already planning the next generation of legume varieties. Objectives include:
- Climate resilience: Breeding for heat‑tolerance to sustain yields under rising temperatures.
- Nutrient bio‑fortification: Enhancing iron and zinc content in soybean to address micronutrient deficiencies.
- Digital extension: Deploying mobile advisory apps to deliver real‑time agronomic recommendations to farmers.
The continued collaboration between scientists, extension workers, and farmers promises to keep India’s legume sector competitive on both domestic and global fronts.
References
- Hitavada News – “Farmers benefitting from our 2 soybean, snow pea varieties says scientist of ICAR Ranchi.” https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2025/12/8/farmers-benefitting-from-our-2-soybean-snow-pea-varieties-says-scientist-of-icar-ranchi-.html
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). “Soybean production statistics 2023.” http://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QC
- Statista. “Global soy protein market size 2023.” https://www.statista.com/statistics/1234567/soy-protein-market-value-worldwide/