The Department of Horticulture and Food Science at VIT School of Agricultural Innovations and Advanced Learning (VAIAL) successfully cultivated carrots (Dactus carota L. F: Umbelliferae), as part of an experimental program to optimize growth strategies for root vegetables in the region. The team led by Dr. Sowbiya Muneer, including scholars Mr. Sushilkumar Sadhanandan, Ms. Preethika Suresh, and Mr. Pritam Paramguru Mahapatra, implemented cultivation practices from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IRAI) during the Rabi Season, sowing in late August.

The team harvested high-quality carrots in December, meeting market standards for flavour, texture and nutrition. This achievement has implications beyond academic research, potentially influencing local farmers to adopt improved carrot cultivation techniques in tropical regions. By minimizing reliance on traditional, climate-specific farming, this approach offers diverse income streams, especially on less fertile soils.

This technological advancement enables year-round farming in hot climates, reducing transportation costs and post-harvest losses. It has the potential to bolster rural economies, enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices.