VL Madira 207 is a barnyard millet (
VL Madira 207 has been developed by pedigree method from the cross VL Madira 172 and GECH 506 (Semi-dwarf genotype). VL Madira 207 was identified on the basis of its high yield advantage over checks and recorded (1642 kg/ha) 20.65% and 22.63% superiority in mean grain yield over checks VL Madira 29 and K1 under rainfed conditions respectively in All India Coordinated multi-location small millets trials conducted across the states excluding the states of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Out of 33 locations, VL Madira 207 appeared 18 times in non-significant group. The highest mean grain yield was recorded for this genotype in the state of Karnataka (1908 kg/ha) followed by Uttarakhand (1858 kg/ha). This variety has also recorded 11.63% and 35.87% superiority in mean grain yield over checks VL Madira 172 and K1 respectively in agronomical trials conducted at four locations. It was found superior to checks at all the locations. The average plant height of VL Madira 207 is 123 cm, which is 7 cm shorter than check VL Madira 29 and likely to possess lodging tolerance. VL Madira 207 has an improved plant type with high harvest index (25%) as compared to VL Madira 29 and K1 (both 21%). It has exhibited resistant reaction to grain smut (6.67%), which is a major disease in barnyard millet. VL Madira 207 matures in 85–100 days and its ear shape is pyramidal. It has non-pigmented green colour and develop some anthocyanin pigmentation on ear at dough stage. It has long ear (18–22 cm) and racemes are arranged in four rows. This high yielding variety VL Madira 207 is likely to help increase in barnyard millet yield and ensure food and nutritional security to the farmers.
