Bhubaneswar , Odisha : Horticultural Crop Varieties got a major boost as the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment released fifteen new varieties today. The meeting of the State Seed Sub-Committee, held under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary AG&FE Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, reviewed and approved the release of these improved fruits, vegetables, and high-value crops to enhance productivity and support farmers across the state.
The varieties of crops recommended by the screening committee include, eight varieties from OUAT Kalinga (Chilli, Brinjal, Amaranthus, Tomato, Cashew, Mango Ginger, Black Turmeric, Potato), two varieties from CTCRI (Sweet Potato, Yam bean), and five varieties from CHES (Rose Apple, three types of Amaranthus, Brinjal) were released today.
The Rose Apple variety developed by CHES is one of its kind of variety released for the first time in India. Similarly, Black Turmeric also known as OUAT Kalinga Black Turmeric-1is known for its medicinal property. The potato variety developed by OUAT also known as Kalinga Baby Potato (Phulbani Aloo) is unique for its taste.
Director Horticulture Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Special Secretary Shri Dillip Parida, Dean Research, OUAT Shri Niranjan Panda, Head CHES Shri Gobinda Chandra Acharya, MD, OSSC Ltd., Area Manager, NSC Shri Jagadish Mishra, QPM Producer Smt.Kamala Basini Mohanty, Seed Producer Shri Gourahari Jena, Seed Dealer Smt.Sabitri Paika, Vegetable farmer Shri Krushna Chandra Nag, officials from Department of Agriculture were present during the meeting.
