Patna: Farmers in the rural areas of Patna, particularly in the village of Rajabigha in Masaurhi, are increasingly turning to red ladyfinger (also known as Kashi Lalima) for its exceptional health benefits and growing market demand. This vibrant vegetable is not just a culinary delight, but also a nutritional powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar Singh, an Associate Professor at Nalanda Medical College Hospital, Patna, highlights the special protein found in red ladyfinger called lectin. According to research, this protein helps prevent the growth of cancer cells and may aid in treating various cancers, including lung, pancreatic, breast, and colorectal cancers. “Red ladyfinger can play a significant role in combating several types of cancer,” said Dr. Singh.
In addition to its anti-cancer properties, red ladyfinger is also praised for its heart health benefits. Dr. Singh further explains that the vegetable helps in managing blood sugar levels, which is crucial for preventing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Its ability to lower lipid profiles, particularly in patients with high cholesterol and triglycerides, helps reduce the risk of heart diseases such as heart attacks and high blood pressure.
The vegetable also proves beneficial for pregnant women, with Masaurhi’s agricultural expert, Naveen Kumar Singh, stressing its role in preventing anemia and supporting fetal growth. Singh advocates for the wider cultivation of red ladyfinger, noting that it offers farmers a lucrative alternative to regular ladyfinger and provides greater nutritional value. “Red ladyfinger has great benefits and a promising market, which can be a source of additional income for local farmers,” Singh said.
In Rajabigha village, farmers like Manoj Yadav and Radheshyam Yadav are embracing red ladyfinger cultivation on a large scale, having sourced seeds from Bengaluru. The vegetable is sold at Rs 40 per kilo, slightly higher than the Rs 30 per kilo for regular ladyfinger. It has gained traction not only in Patna but also in surrounding areas like Jehanabad and Gaya, where it is proving to be a profitable venture.
