Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 15: The Division of Vegetable Science and Floriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu ( SKUAST Jammu) has developed a genotype SJBc-01 which develops quality head and also has uniqueness in seed setting ability under sub-tropical conditions of Jammu. According to press release, SKUAST Jammu is doing research in broccoli for the last about one decade. University has identified varieties suitable for cultivation under different agro climatic zones of Jammu region.
Scientists are trying to popularize this health vegetable through trainings, electronic media and publications. Quality seed and planting material are being made available to the growers through the division and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for its adoption on large scale in the state. Constant efforts are afoot to motivate vegetable growers to take up cultivation of broccoli for higher returns per unit area.
Broccoli is a gift of nature packed with nutritious compounds having anti - diabetic, anti - microbal and anti - cancer properties. Broccoli is a vegetable low in calories, having just 34 calories per 100 gram. It is rich in dietary fiber, minerals , vitamins, and anti-oxidants that have proven health benefits. Fresh Broccoli is a storehouse of many phyto-nutrients which help to protect from prostate, colon, urinary bladder, pancreatic, and breast cancers.
Because of being exceptionally rich source of vitamin-C it helps in fighting against viruses causing flu. Further, it also contains fairly good amount of vitamin-A. Together with other pro-vitamins like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and zea-xanthin which helps in maintaining integrity of skin, mucus membranes and healthy eye-sight. The flower heads also have some amount of omega-3 fatty acids. 3 - 4 days old broccoli sprouts are more nutritious than mature broccoli heads. For example, 5 g of sprout contain gluco-raphanin (body's natural cancer protection compound) equal to 150 g of mature broccoli. Studies have shown that broccoli sprouts may contain 10 to 100 times higher levels of glucoraphanin than the mature broccoli.Broccoli is a cool-season high value, low volume cash vegetable crop that demands fertile rich and well-drained soil to flourish. |
