Context:
A batch of cowpea seeds — better known as lobia in Hindi or thattapayaru in Tamil — have successfully sprouted in space, days after they were taken into orbit by an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) mission.
Lobia or Thattapayaru
Lobia, also known as thatta payaru or cowpea, is a leguminous crop. Lobia is primarily a Kharif crop, which means it is typically planted during the monsoon season (June-July) and harvested by the end of the monsoon or in the early post-monsoon period (around October-November).
- Maximum Producing States
- Uttar Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
ISRO CROPS experiment on PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission
- PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission
- The CROPS experiment saw the cowpea seeds germinate within four days in PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission’s PS4-Orbital Experiment Module, known as POEM-4.
- About Experiment
- The experiment, developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), aims to develop ISRO’s capabilities for growing and sustaining flora in extraterrestrial environments.
MCQ Question
Which of the following is true about the Lobia (Thatta Payaru) crop and the PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission?
A) Lobia is a Rabi crop, grown primarily during the winter season and harvested in early summer.
B) The PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission experimented with the germination of cowpea seeds in space, and the seeds sprouted in seven days.
C) Lobia is primarily grown in the Kharif season (monsoon), and it is most commonly produced in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
D) The PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission was a failure in testing the viability of plant growth in space.
E) Lobia (Thatta Payaru) is grown mostly in summer and is harvested during the winter months.
Correct Answer:
C) Lobia is primarily grown in the Kharif season (monsoon), and it is most commonly produced in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
