GS 10 Matar: A Complete Guide

GS 10 Matar, also known as GS 10 pea, is an improved variety of field pea (Pisum sativum) that has gained significant popularity among farmers and consumers alike. This comprehensive guide delves into the origin, key characteristics, cultivation practices, and benefits of GS 10 Matar, providing valuable insights for farmers, agronomists, and pea enthusiasts.

Origin and Development

GS 10 Matar was developed by the Gobind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. The variety was released in 2010 after extensive research and field trials aimed at creating a high-yielding, disease-resistant pea variety suitable for cultivation in the northern plains of India.

The development of GS 10 Matar involved crossing selected parent lines with desirable traits such as high yield potential, disease resistance, and adaptability to various agro-climatic conditions. Through careful selection and breeding over multiple generations, researchers were able to stabilize the desired characteristics in the GS 10 variety.

Key Characteristics

GS 10 Matar possesses several distinguishing features that set it apart from other pea varieties:

a) Plant morphology:

  • Plant height: 60-75 cm
  • Growth habit: Semi-dwarf and determinate
  • Stem: Strong and sturdy, reducing lodging risk
  • Leaves: Dark green, compound leaves with 2-3 pairs of leaflets

b) Pod characteristics:

  • Pod length: 8-10 cm
  • Pods per plant: 20-25 on average
  • Seeds per pod: 7-9
  • Pod color: Light green

c) Seed characteristics:

  • Seed color: Light green
  • Seed shape: Round to slightly wrinkled
  • 100-seed weight: 18-20 grams

d) Maturity:

  • Days to 50% flowering: 55-60 days after sowing
  • Days to maturity: 110-120 days

e) Yield potential:

  • Average yield: 20-25 quintals per hectare
  • Potential yield: Up to 30 quintals per hectare under optimal conditions

f) Disease resistance:

  • Moderately resistant to powdery mildew
  • Tolerant to Fusarium wilt

g) Adaptability:

  • Well-suited for cultivation in the northern plains of India
  • Performs well under both irrigated and rainfed conditions

Cultivation Practices

To maximize the yield potential of GS 10 Matar, farmers should follow these recommended cultivation practices:

a) Climate and soil requirements:

  • Climate: Cool and moist conditions with temperatures between 10-25°C
  • Soil: Well-drained loamy soils with pH 6.0-7.5

b) Sowing time:

  • North India: Mid-October to mid-November
  • Central India: First fortnight of November

c) Seed rate and spacing:

  • Seed rate: 80-100 kg/ha
  • Row spacing: 30-45 cm
  • Plant-to-plant spacing: 10-15 cm

d) Seed treatment:

  • Treat seeds with Thiram or Captan (2-3 g/kg of seed) to prevent seedling diseases
  • Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium culture for improved nitrogen fixation

e) Fertilizer management:

  • Apply 20-40 kg N, 40-60 kg P2O5, and 20-40 kg K2O per hectare as basal dose
  • Top dress with 20 kg N/ha at the time of first irrigation

f) Irrigation:

  • Provide 4-5 irrigations during the crop cycle
  • Critical stages for irrigation: pre-flowering, flowering, and pod formation

g) Weed management:

  • Apply pre-emergence herbicide like Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i./ha
  • Conduct 1-2 manual weedings as needed

h) Pest and disease management:

  • Monitor regularly for pests like pea leaf miner and pod borer
  • Apply need-based pesticides following integrated pest management principles
  • For disease control, follow proper crop rotation and maintain field sanitation

i) Harvesting:

  • Harvest when pods turn yellowish-brown and seeds become hard
  • Thresh using a pea thresher or by trampling under the feet of bullocks

Nutritional Profile

GS 10 Matar is known for its excellent nutritional value, making it a popular choice for both fresh consumption and processing. The typical nutritional composition per 100 grams of dry GS 10 Matar seeds is as follows:

  • Calories: 81 kcal
  • Protein: 5.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14.5 g
  • Dietary fiber: 5.1 g
  • Fat: 0.4 g
  • Vitamins:  
  • Vitamin A: 38 IU
  • Vitamin C: 40 mg
  • Vitamin K: 24.8 μg
  • Folate: 65 μg
  • Minerals:  
  • Potassium: 244 mg
  • Phosphorus: 108 mg
  • Magnesium: 33 mg
  • Iron: 1.5 mg
  • Zinc: 1.2 mg

Benefits of GS 10 Matar

The GS 10 Matar variety offers numerous benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment:

a) Agronomic benefits:

  • High yield potential: GS 10 Matar can produce up to 30 quintals per hectare under optimal conditions, providing farmers with improved income opportunities.
  • Disease resistance: Its moderate resistance to powdery mildew and tolerance to Fusarium wilt reduce the need for chemical interventions, lowering production costs and environmental impact.
  • Adaptability: The variety performs well in various agro-climatic conditions, making it suitable for cultivation across different regions.
  • Short duration: With a maturity period of 110-120 days, GS 10 Matar allows farmers to plan crop rotations effectively and potentially grow an additional crop in the same season.

b) Nutritional benefits:

  • High protein content: GS 10 Matar is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it valuable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
  • Rich in dietary fiber: The high fiber content aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
  • Low fat: With minimal fat content, GS 10 Matar is suitable for low-fat diets and weight management.
  • Nutrient-dense: The variety provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.

c) Culinary benefits:

  • Versatility: GS 10 Matar can be used in various culinary applications, including soups, stews, curries, and salads.
  • Excellent taste and texture: The variety is known for its sweet flavor and tender texture when cooked.
  • Long shelf life: Dried GS 10 Matar seeds can be stored for extended periods without significant loss of quality.

d) Environmental benefits:

  • Nitrogen fixation: Like other legumes, GS 10 Matar fixes atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and improving soil fertility.
  • Water efficiency: The variety's relatively short growing season and moderate water requirements make it suitable for water-scarce regions.
  • Crop rotation: Including GS 10 Matar in crop rotations can help break pest and disease cycles, reducing the reliance on chemical inputs.

Market Potential and Economic Impact

GS 10 Matar has shown significant market potential since its introduction:

a) Domestic market:

  • Fresh market: GS 10 Matar is in high demand for fresh consumption due to its sweet taste and tender texture.
  • Processing industry: The variety is suitable for freezing, canning, and dehydration, making it valuable for the food processing sector.
  • Seed market: There is a growing demand for GS 10 Matar seeds among farmers, creating opportunities for seed production and distribution.

b) Export potential:

  • GS 10 Matar meets international quality standards, making it suitable for export markets.
  • The variety's high nutritional value and versatility make it attractive to health-conscious consumers globally.

c) Economic impact:

  • Improved farmer incomes: Higher yields and market demand translate to better returns for farmers cultivating GS 10 Matar.
  • Rural employment: Increased cultivation of GS 10 Matar can generate employment opportunities in farming, processing, and allied sectors.
  • Foreign exchange earnings: Export of GS 10 Matar and its processed products can contribute to foreign exchange earnings for the country.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While GS 10 Matar has shown great promise, there are some challenges and areas for future improvement:

a) Challenges:

  • Climate change: Increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns may affect the cultivation of GS 10 Matar in traditional growing areas.
  • Pest and disease pressure: Evolving pest and disease populations may pose threats to the variety's current resistance levels.
  • Post-harvest losses: Improving storage and processing infrastructure is crucial to reduce post-harvest losses and maintain quality.

b) Future prospects:

  • Genetic improvement: Ongoing research aims to further enhance yield potential, disease resistance, and nutritional quality of GS 10 Matar.
  • Precision agriculture: Implementing precision farming techniques can help optimize resource use and increase productivity.
  • Value-added products: Developing new value-added products from GS 10 Matar can expand market opportunities and increase farmer incomes.

Conclusion

GS 10 Matar represents a significant advancement in field pea cultivation, offering high yields, improved disease resistance, and excellent nutritional value. Its wide adaptability and market acceptance make it a valuable crop for farmers across various regions. As research continues and cultivation practices evolve, GS 10 Matar is poised to play an increasingly important role in sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural economic development.

By understanding the origin, characteristics, cultivation practices, and benefits of GS 10 Matar, farmers, agronomists, and policymakers can make informed decisions to promote and optimize its cultivation. As global demand for plant-based proteins continues to rise, varieties like GS 10 Matar will be crucial in meeting nutritional needs while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

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