The Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) focuses on agricultural research tailored to the needs of farmers. They aim to develop cost-effective farming techniques for food security, profitability, and sustainability, ultimately improving farmers’ livelihoods and income.
Since its establishment in 2014, the university has introduced 61 high-yielding crop varieties at both national and state levels. These varieties aim to address the specific challenges faced by farmers in Telangana, such as the need for early-maturing rice varieties for timely planting and harvesting.
To meet the demands of rice cultivation in Telangana, the university has developed varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases like blast and plant hoppers. Additionally, they have focused on creating rice varieties with long slender grains that align with consumer preferences and market demands.
The university has also released maize and sorghum varieties that address specific issues faced by farmers in the state, such as post-flowering stalk rot in maize and the need for high-yielding sorghum varieties with excellent quality traits.
Furthermore, the university has contributed to the development of millet varieties rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and calcium, catering to the growing demand for “Nutri-cereals” in the region. These efforts aim to improve the overall agricultural productivity and sustainability in Telangana.