Aloo -broccoli? The day may not be far off

This broccoli, which is particularly suitable for the mid- and high hills of the state, is not too disease-prone, making for high savings on insecticides and pesticides. The cauliflower, on the other hand, has to be dosed heavily to fight against these malefactors.

Because of these factors, a large number of farmers in Shimla, Sirmour, Solan, Mandi and Kullu districts have taken up the broccoli. The vegetable is currently cultivated over 3,000 bighas of land, and is sold for prices between Rs 15 and Rs 30/kg in the wholesale market.

“‘Our institution was the first in the country to initiate research and extension work on this exotic crop and later recommended its commercial cultivation in the mid- and high hills of the country,’’ says Dr S S Negi, vice-chancellor of Parmar varsity.

The broccoli is a crop of European origin and is mainly grown in the US, Italy and the UK. Closely related to the cabbage and the cauliflower, the broccoli is low in calories and high in nutrition and lends itself to both western and innovative Indian cooking. It can also be consumed raw or steamed as a salad ingredient.

According to professor and head of the department of vegetables U K Kohli, broccoli also contains sulphoraphane-A compound, which is an anti-carcinogenic compound.

Broccoli also holds promise for the growers as an off-season vegetable, particularly in the high hills. The crop may also play a significant role in much-needed crop diversification to sustain the leadership of Himachal as a high value off-season vegetable produce state.