In an innovation in agriculturalo field, Chhattisgarh’s progressive farmer Leela Ram Sahu has achieved a monumental milestone with the development of ‘Niranjan Bhata’, India’s longest Brinjal or eggplant variety. Sahu’s brinjal not only reinforces the power of local knowledge but also places India on the global agricultural map. This indigenous variety, cultivated in the fields of Dhamtari, measures an astounding 36.92 cm on average, making it the longest brinjal in the country and a potential contender for the world’s largest brinjal. With its groundbreaking registration under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), this achievement serves as a testament to the innovative spirit of Indian farmers. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Dr Deepak Sharma, Professor and Head, and Nodal Officer, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, remarked, “The recognition of ‘Niranjan Bhata’ is not just a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh but also a significant moment for Indian agriculture.

 

The brinjal’s unprecedented size and nutritional value reflect the potential that local varieties hold, and this fits perfectly into the narrative of self-reliance and innovation that is being promoted at a national level.” The Plant Variety Registration Certificate for ‘Niranjan Bhata’ was issued on 14th August 2024, after a detailed process that began in August 2017. Sahu, who has been preserving this indigenous variety for generations, now holds the exclusive rights to produce, sell, and distribute the brinjal for the next six years. This legal protection under the PPV&FRA, 2001, safeguards the crop’s unique genetic lineage and reinforces its importance within the country’s agricultural landscape. Sahu’s journey began in 2010, when he meticulously selected and refined traditional brinjal strains to create what is now known as ‘Niranjan Bhata.’ The variety is distinguished not just by its size, but also by its taste and nutritional benefits, making it a standout among other long brinjal varieties like Ankur Vinayak (23.80 cm) and the Pusa Purple Long variety (25-30 cm). With lower water content, fewer seeds, and high fibre, it is known for its sweet flavour and is highly favoured in South Indian cuisine, particularly in sambhar. Sahu expressed his gratitude for the support of the scientific community, especially Dr Deepak Sharma and Dr Dhananjay Sharma, Principal Scientist in the Vegetable Science Department at IGKV, Raipur.

 

“The registration of ‘Niranjan Bhata’ is a moment of immense pride for Chhattisgarh’s farming community. It shows that indigenous varieties, when nurtured with dedication, have the potential to compete on the world stage, thus contributing to the vision of self-reliance in Indian agriculture,” he said. The recognition of ‘Niranjan Bhata’ is part of a larger initiative led by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, chaired by Dr Trilochan Mahapatra, to protect and promote indigenous crop varieties across the country. Chhattisgarh, with 561 registered crop varieties, is now poised to become the state with the highest number of registered varieties in India, once ongoing applications are processed. Vice-Chancellor of IGKV, Dr Girish Chandel, lauded this as a ‘revolutionary step’ in the agricultural sector, stating, “In line with the nation’s vision for self-reliance, the success of ‘Niranjan Bhata’ highlights how local innovations can transform the agricultural economy. It is a source of inspiration for future advancements.” Sahu’s success goes beyond brinjal, as he also cultivates crops like rice, chickpea, tomato, and mustard. His work has earned him multiple prestigious awards, including the Plant Genome Saviour Award, presented by the Union Minister of Agriculture, and the Innovation Farmer Award from former President Pranab Mukherjee.