Vegetable research in India

Abstract

Vegetable production increased greatly during the last 50 years, making India the second largest vegetable producer
(71 million tonnes) in the world. This could be achieved owing to fast increase in infrastructure facilities, manpower and
technology generation in the field of vegetable science. Though largest number of vegetable crops are grown in India. the research work was carried out only on a few vegetables. A considerable scope exists for export and processing of
vegetables in India which required additiopal production.
During the last 5 decades a tremendous progress could be made in development of varieties, breeding for resistance
and heterosis breeding. During the recent past progress has been made in the development of off-season varieties of
radish (Raphanus sativus L.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. nom. cons.), onion (Allium cepa L.) and cabbage
(Brassica oleracea L. var capitata L. f). Production technology changed continuously based on the evaluation of new
varieties, chemicals and other inputs. Control measures for disease and pest management were also developed. The
article also deals with guidelines and projections for future in the field of vegetables.