Genesis
Soybean is an important pulse crop in India. In Kharif 2008, Kashinath observed some healthy plants of JS 9752 variety with early maturation (10-12 days early). He selectively harvested about 300g of seeds from the plants. In 2009, he cultivated the seeds in a separate lane and harvested 15kg of seed. He repeated the practice year after year and in 2012 he had about 75q of seeds of this variety. He has been cultivating and distributing the variety since 2012.
Pandrinath-1 Soybean variety
Soybean Pandrinath-1 is a bi-seasonal variety of 90-95 days where the plants have comprehensive growth habit with more number of pods and bold sized seeds. The variety is tolerant to Yellow Mosaic disease, has bold seeds, high yield of 12-15 q/acre and is suitable for heavy and low rain areas. Also no fertilizer is required for the crop.
The field trials on soybean variety Pandrinath-1 was conducted in Madhya Pradesh, Guajarat and Karnataka where it was found to be early maturing (95-100 days), having high yield and had a disease free performance. Many farmers of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are cultivating his variety and appreciate its performance. In 2015, due to low rains in soybean growing areas of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, six varieties failed but the performance of Pandrinath-1 soybean has been constant in the last two years. For this soybean variety, Kashinath has been felicitated at the regional level and a few articles have also been published in local newsletters about the variety.
An agriculturist, Kashinath (59), has developed an improved bi-seasonal variety of Soybean, which has high yield and uniform pod size. The variety is tolerant to Yellow Mosaic Disease.
Kashinath owns five acres of land where he cultivates soybean, wheat, gram and orange as major crops. Agriculture is the major source of livelihood for his family, with a major contribution coming from the sale of oranges. Though he has studied only up to class ten but has been motivating his two daughters and son to complete their studies properly. With active support of his wife in agricultural activities, he has been able to undertake all tasks properly. Presently, he is working on the development of an improved variety of soybean.
He is a well-known farmer in the region for soybean variety development. He developed interest in farming due to his elder brother, whom he considers as his role model. Prior to being a farmer, he was a truck driver. His family supports him in his all research work, his nephew now actively works with him.