Promit Pramanik | Updated: Feb 13, 2023 19:11 IST
Dr. Kishan Lal Chadha is considered the father of vegetable science in India. He dedicated his life to researching and promoting the cultivation of vegetables, particularly in the northern region of India.
Dr. Chadha was born in 1923 in Punjab, India and received his doctorate in horticulture from the University of London. He then returned to India and joined the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, where he worked for over three decades.
During his tenure at IARI, Dr. Chadha made significant contributions to the field of vegetable science. He developed new techniques for the cultivation of vegetables, such as the use of raised beds for growing tomatoes and the use of plastic mulch for cucumber cultivation. He also worked on the development of high-yielding varieties of vegetables such as tomato, okra, and bitter gourd.
Dr. Chadha’s research and extension work led to the increased production and productivity of vegetables in the northern region of India. His work also helped to improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
In recognition of his contributions to vegetable science, Dr. Chadha received numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards in India.
Dr. Kishan Lal Chadha, a renowned horticulturist and plant breeder, is widely considered the “father of vegetable science” in India. Throughout his career, Dr. Chadha made significant contributions to the field of vegetable science and played a crucial role in the development and promotion of vegetable cultivation in India, particularly in the northern region.
When he was serving his term at IARI, Dr. Chadha conducted extensive research on the cultivation of various vegetables, including tomatoes, okra, and bitter gourd. His research also led to the development of high-yielding varieties of vegetables, which helped to increase the production and productivity of vegetables in the northern region of India.
In addition to his research, Dr. Chadha was also actively involved in extension work, providing training and support to farmers in the region. His work helped to improve the livelihoods of farmers and played a key role in the overall development of the vegetable industry in India.
In short, Dr. Kishan Lal Chadha was a visionary and a pioneer in the field of vegetable science who through his research and extension work, made significant contributions to the development and promotion of vegetable cultivation in India. His work and legacy continue to be an inspiration to many scientists and researchers in the field of horticulture and agriculture.
Here we have discussed some of the major works of Dr. Kishan Lal Chadha. Have a look at the below-mentioned points.
Vegetable science is a branch of horticulture that focuses on the study and cultivation of vegetable crops. This field encompasses a wide range of research areas, including plant breeding, genetics, physiology, physiology, biochemistry, entomology, and soil science.
One of the main goals of vegetable science is to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties of vegetables that can be grown in a variety of climates and soils. Plant breeders use traditional breeding methods, such as crossbreeding and selection, as well as modern techniques such as genetic engineering to develop new varieties of vegetables.
Another important aspect of vegetable science is the study of plant physiology, which focuses on the identification and control of diseases that affect vegetable crops. This includes the identification of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, as well as the development of effective control methods, such as the use of pesticides and biological control agents.
In addition to plant breeding and pathology, vegetable science also encompasses the study of soil science and entomology. Soil scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and how they affect vegetable growth and development. Entomologists study the interactions between insects and vegetable crops, and work to develop effective pest management strategies.
Vegetable science also includes the study of post-harvest physiology, which focuses on the preservation and storage of vegetables after harvest. This includes understanding the physiological and biochemical changes that occur in vegetables after harvest and the development of methods to extend their shelf life.
Dr. Chadha’s contributions to the field of vegetable science are numerous and significant. He played a key role in the development and promotion of high-yielding vegetable varieties in India, which helped to increase the country’s vegetable production and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
Dr. Chadha’s research focused on the breeding and genetics of vegetable crops, and he developed a number of new varieties of vegetables such as tomato, okra, and brinjal that are widely grown in India today. These varieties are characterized by their high yield, disease resistance, and improved nutritional quality.
Dr. Chadha also made important contributions to the field of seed production and technology transfer. He established the first vegetable seed production unit in India, which helped to improve the availability and quality of vegetable seed for farmers. He also worked to transfer his research findings and technologies to farmers through extension and training programs.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of vegetable science, Dr. Chadha was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 1984. He also received numerous other awards and honors throughout his career, including the prestigious Agricultural Scientist Award from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
Dr. Kishan Lal Chadha’s pioneering research and dedication have helped to improve the productivity, nutrition, and livelihoods of farmers in India, and his legacy continues to influence the field of vegetable science in India and around the world.