Bihar Agriculture University (BAU), Sabour, would introduce a variety of peach, commonly known as aadu in this region among farmers, to provide them more options in livelihood opportunities.

Peach is generally produced in north India owing to low temperature but BAU scientists have developed its varieties, which match climatic conditions here. The varsity is set to distribute saplings to the farmers here. Peach, like other seasonal fruits, is rich in protein, vitamin B and niacin, besides essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron and potassium.

According to Biswabandhu Patel, director, department of horticulture, BAU, Sabour, peach seeds contains 40 per cent starch and 31 per cent protein. "The harvesting aeason for peach starts in April," Patel said.

BAU vice-chancellor Mewa Lal Choudhary said scientists have been busy with different varieties of peach for the past four years and have successfully completed experiments for modified varieties in this region. "Varieties like Pratap, Prabhat, Early Grad, Florida Prince and Shan-E-Punjab, which are generally produced in sub-tropical area such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana have been studied to prepare substitutes, keeping in view the climatic conditions of this region," he said.

Choudhary added: "After plantation, it takes three-four years to produce peach. A grown plant can produce nearly 1,000 fruits, each weighing around 50gm on an average."

He said peach could be an alternative option for farmers in their guava, mango or other orchards.

Nandalal Yadav, a farmer from Naugachia, who took part in a training session at BAU's peach orchard, said: "I and a dozen other farmers have decided to try our luck in peach cultivation."