In a significant stride for Odisha’s agricultural sector, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment released 15 new horticultural crop varieties today during a State Seed Sub-Committee meeting chaired by Principal Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee.
The event marked a milestone in promoting innovative and region-specific crops to enhance farmer livelihoods and agricultural diversity.
The newly released varieties include eight from Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT): Kalinga Chilli, Brinjal, Amaranthus, Tomato, Cashew, Mango Ginger, Black Turmeric (OUAT Kalinga Black Turmeric-1), and Kalinga Baby Potato, also known as Phulbani Aloo, celebrated for its distinctive taste. The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) contributed two varieties—Sweet Potato and Yam Bean—while the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES) introduced five, including Rose Apple and three types of Amaranthus, alongside a Brinjal variety.
Notably, the Rose Apple variety from CHES is the first of its kind released in India, promising to add a new dimension to fruit cultivation. The OUAT Kalinga Black Turmeric-1 stands out for its medicinal properties, offering potential health benefits and economic opportunities for farmers. The Kalinga Baby Potato, with its unique flavour, is expected to become a favourite among consumers and a boon for local farmers in Phulbani.
The meeting saw participation from key figures, including Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Special Secretary Dillip Parida, Dean Research (OUAT) Niranjan Panda, Head CHES Gobinda Chandra Acharya, and representatives from the Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) and National Seeds Corporation (NSC). Progressive farmers and seed producers, including Kamala Basini Mohanty, Gourahari Jena, Sabitri Paika and Krushna Chandra Nag, also attended, highlighting the collaborative effort to advance Odisha’s horticulture sector.
These new varieties are expected to boost productivity, improve resilience, and cater to both domestic and commercial demands, reinforcing Odisha’s position as a leader in innovative agriculture.
