Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: In a significant step toward agricultural innovation and crop diversification, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment, Odisha, released 15 new horticultural crop varieties during a State Seed Sub-Committee meeting held here on Saturday.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment.

Principal Secy Dr. @arvindpadhee chaired the Odisha State Seeds Sub Committee meeting at Krushi Bhavan, approving 15 new horticulture crop varieties of Mango-ginger, Black-turmeric, Rose-apple, Sweet-potato & others to strengthen farmer adaptation & climate resilience. pic.twitter.com/vikWzBjyJ6

— କୃଷି ବିଭାଗ, ଓଡ଼ିଶା (@krushibibhag) September 20, 2025

Diverse Varieties from Leading Institutions

The newly released varieties include eight developed by OUAT Kalinga — Chilli, Brinjal, Amaranthus, Tomato, Cashew, Mango Ginger, Black Turmeric, and Potato. Two varieties, Sweet Potato and Yam Bean, were contributed by CTCRI, while CHES introduced five varieties including Rose Apple, three types of Amaranthus, and Brinjal.

Among the highlights is the Rose Apple variety from CHES, the first of its kind to be released in India. OUAT’s Black Turmeric (Kalinga Black Turmeric-1) is recognized for its medicinal properties, while the Kalinga Baby Potato (Phulbani Aloo) stands out for its unique taste and regional appeal.

Also Read: Odisha Sets All-Time Record In Farmer Registration For Paddy Procurement

Stakeholder Participation and Future Outlook

The meeting witnessed active participation from key stakeholders including Director Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Special Secretary Dillip Parida, Dean Research OUAT  Niranjan Panda, Head CHES Gobinda Chandra Acharya, and representatives from OSSC Ltd. and NSC. Farmers, seed producers, and dealers also joined the discussion, emphasizing the importance of quality planting material and innovation in horticulture.

These releases are expected to enhance crop productivity, promote nutritional diversity, and support farmers with region-specific, high-yielding varieties. The initiative aligns with Odisha’s broader mission to strengthen its horticulture sector and empower farming communities.