CHARACTERIZATION OF MAIZE, WINTER BEANS AND FINGER MILLET VARIETIES THROUGH DIVERSITY BLOCK IN MAKWANPUR AND SARLAHI DISTRICTS, NEPAL

Diversity block was constructed for assessing the status of maize and finger millet and winter beans varieties in Chhatiwan V.D.C. and Parwanipur V.D.C. of Sarlahi and Makwanpur districts respectively and for winter Parwanipur (Sarlahi) and Raigaun, Makwanpur was proposively selected. 18, 21 and 22 varieties of maize, finger millet and winter beans were planted and characterized respectively in these locations. Upon analysis, varied temporal sequence of cultivation of these varieties was identified. The positive and negative traits were also evaluated minutely so as to assess the preference of these varieties. The current trend of these varieties were also assessed which showed that only one variety of maize and 3 varieties of finger millet has increasing trend. 2 varieties of maize were identified as threatened. Also, 5 varieties of maize and 1 variety of finger millet were gradually decreasing. These varieties can be value added, marketed and enhancement can be done accordingly.