Arka Shubha

12 Feb Arka Shubha

Context-

Recently The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research ( IIHR) has developed a new variety of Marigold flower named as Arka Shubha.

About Marigold-

• This flower belongs to the sunflower family of Asteraceae.
• It is mostly herbaceous plants.
• The flowers are native to the Americas.
• It has been seen that they grow naturally from the southwestern United States into South America.
• However, some species have become naturalized around the world.

Significance of Arka Shubha-

• Flowers often lose their value if they get spoiled either due to rain or delay in harvest .
• However, from Arka Shubha , crude carotene can be extracted even if the flower is spoiled.
• It has a carotene content of 2.8% which is more than other marigold varieties.

Carotene-

• This is mainly used in the Pharmaceutical sector.
• At presents India imports most of its carotene from China and other countries.

Benefits-

• It is used as ornamental purpose
• Arka Shubha Variety of Marigold is in use in the poultry sector. Its petals could be used as feed to get quality yolk.
• It is also used for feeding ship