Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to horticulture and crop diversification, the State Seed Sub-Committee today approved the release of 15 new horticultural crop varieties at a meeting chaired by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment.
The newly released varieties include eight developed by OUAT Kalinga (Chilli, Brinjal, Amaranthus, Tomato, Cashew, Mango Ginger, Black Turmeric, Potato), two from the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) (Sweet Potato, Yam Bean), and five from the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES) (Rose Apple, three Amaranthus types, Brinjal).
Significantly, the Rose Apple variety developed by CHES has been released for the first time in India. Similarly, the OUAT-developed Kalinga Black Turmeric-1, known for its medicinal properties, and the Kalinga Baby Potato (Phulbani Aloo), prized for its distinctive taste, were among the highlights.
Speaking on the occasion, officials emphasized that these new varieties would not only enrich crop choices for farmers but also enhance productivity, promote nutritional diversity, and open up new market opportunities.
The meeting was attended by Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Special Secretary Dillip Parida, OUAT Dean (Research) Niranjan Panda, CHES Head Gobinda Chandra Acharya, MD OSSC Ltd., Area Manager NSC Jagadish Mishra, QPM Producer Kamala Basini Mohanty, seed producer Gourahari Jena, seed dealer Sabitri Paika, vegetable farmer Krushna Chandra Nag, along with senior officials from the Agriculture Department.
