Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Seed Sub-Committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, DA & FE Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee for release of different Agricultural crop varieties in the state. In the said meeting, 3 nos. of non-paddy varieties namely OUAT Kalinga Maize 1 (Khushi), OUAT Kalinga Mustard 2 (Samrudhhi), OUAT Kalinga Mustard 3 (Sidhhi) are two high yielding and higher oil content mustard variety approved for release in the state. Similarly, 4 nos. of paddy varieties of OUAT namely OUAT Kalinga Rice-3 (Sampada), OUAT Kalinga Rice 12 (Paraja), OUAT Kalinga Rice 12A (Padmaja), OUAT Kalinga Rice 14 (Shreepada) and 7 nos. of Paddy Varieties of CRRI, Cuttack namely CR Dhan 215 (Indumati), CR Dhan 325 (Salila), CR Dhan 334 (Satyadev), CR Dhan 335 (Alok), CR Dhan 604 (Kalpana), CR Dhan 705 (Ganga) and CR Dhan 912 (Ashutosh Mehek) have also been considered for release in the state.
These non- paddy and paddy varieties will help in increase in the income of farmers. Besides that by cultivating these varieties we can take a step towards making our future more sustainable and climate resilient said by the Principal Secretary, Agriculture & FE Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee.
It is also decided by the committee that priority should be given on climate resilience, short duration and nutritional aspect while developing a new variety. OUAT Kalinga Maize 1 (Khushi) variety specification includes, it performed well under kharif rainfed dry spell stress condition. And is suitable for cultivation in Maize dominated district like Nabarangpur. Similarly, OUAT Kalinga Rice-3 (Sampada) is suitable for puff rice having antioxidant properties. Fits well in Rice based cropping system. OUAT Kalinga Rice 12A (Padmaja) is a Bio-fortified variety, suitable for organic cultivation. OUAT Kalinga Rice 14 (Shreepada) is also a Bio-fortified variety with rich in iron and antioxidants. The variety will replace farmers demanding variety “Swarna (MTU-7029”. Likewise, CR Dhan 215 (Indumati) is suitable for aerobic and saline conditions. Can be preferred for coastal districts of the state. Another variety, CR Dhan 604 (Kalpana) is a tolerant of low temperature at seedling stage and terminal heat at reproductive stage. Also resistant to stem borer, leaf folder and gall midge. CR Dhan 912 (Ashutosh Mehek) is an aromatic variety with resistant to leaf folder and stem borer.
Director Agriculture & Food Production Shubham Saxena, officers from OUAT & Agriculture Department were present during the meeting.
