"Soybean, a Nutrient-Rich Veggie, Provides High Value for Residents Along Coastal and Eastern India - named Swarna Vasundhara"
Introducing Swarna Vasundhara: A Promising Vegetable Soybean Variety for Eastern India
Swarna Vasundhara, a vegetable soybean variety developed by ICAR's Research Center in Ranchi, is making waves in eastern India, particularly in coastal and Jharkhand regions. This high-yield, nutritious variety is harvested as green pods when seeds are about 80% mature, making it prized for fresh consumption and processing.
Growth Conditions
Adapted to coastal and eastern India, including Jharkhand and West Bengal, Swarna Vasundhara performs well in black cotton soils as well as other soils typical of the region. It thrives under sprinkler irrigation or other adequate watering methods to maintain tender pods. The variety's bushy growth habit allows good yield in limited space. Notably, Swarna Vasundhara shows resistance to rust disease and pod borer pests, reducing dependence on heavy chemical sprays and making cultivation more sustainable.
Crop Management Practices
Harvest green pods at about 80% seed maturity, when pods appear bright green with one to three appreciable seeds inside. Post-harvest, blanching involves immersing pods in hot water at 90 °C for 5 minutes, followed by cold water dipping (4 °C for 5 minutes) to preserve color and texture before freezing or further processing. The grains can be soaked for 8 hours before consumption and can be processed into various value-added products like soy curd, sweets, and ice creams.
Potential Yields and Economics
Farmers have reported green pod yields up to 15 tonnes per hectare. Green pods yield about 50-55% shelled bright green seeds. In practice, yield of 15 quintals (1.5 tonnes) of green pods per acre has been obtained. With a market price around ₹200 per kg for green pods, gross income per acre can reach about ₹300,000 with a net income of around ₹270,000 after ₹30,000 cultivation costs.
The high price and nutritional value make Swarna Vasundhara an attractive crop in eastern India, helping diversify smallholder farming beyond traditional crops like rice and lentils while addressing protein deficiency in local diets.
In summary, Swarna Vasundhara's growth conditions favor well-irrigated coastal and eastern Indian soils, with pest resistance and bushy growth suited for small-scale diverse farming. Its crop management includes timing harvest at green maturity and proper post-harvest handling. Potential yields are high, with 15 t/ha green pods common and strong economic returns.
Given the market demand and growing interest in healthy local foods, vegetable soybean could become a reliable cash crop for kitchen gardeners and smallholders across eastern and central India. Local selling prices for fresh Swarna Vasundhara pods range from Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 per kilogram. Swarna Vasundhara is now being tested for adaptability in West Bengal's coastal and Gangetic plains. Basic training on crop timing, seed treatment, and canopy management can help growers avoid problems with vegetable soybeans. Swarna Vasundhara, a variety of vegetable soybean, was introduced in 2008 by ICAR's Research Center, Ranchi.
- The high-yielding and nutritious Swarna Vasundhara, a vegetable soybean variety, is not only attracting attention in eastern India but also creating opportunities for a healthier lifestyle by offering an alternative to traditional crops like rice and lentils.
- Cooking with Swarna Vasundhara, rich in protein and other essential nutrients, can contribute to global cuisines, providing healthier food-and-drink choices for those seeking to incorporate healthy-cooking practices into their lifestyle.
- Given the rise in health consciousness worldwide, the cultivation of Swarna Vasundhara may have a positive impact on health-and-wellness at both the local and global levels, as farming practices promote sustainable use of resources and reduce dependency on heavy chemical sprays, in turn contributing to fitness-and-exercise initiatives.
- Moreover, the nutritious grains derived from Swarna Vasundhara can be processed into various value-added food products, such as soy curd, sweets, and ice creams, promoting a more balanced and wholesome food-and-drink landscape, thereby contributing to overall wellness and lifestyle improvements.
