Odisha Government Releases Climate-Resilient, High-Yielding Crop Varieties to Boost Farmers’ Income

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move toward sustainable agriculture, the Odisha Government has approved the release of several new short-duration, climate-resilient, and high-yielding crop varieties aimed at enhancing farmers’ income and ensuring food security.

At a meeting of the Odisha State Seed Sub-Committee held today, chaired by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, a wide range of paddy and non-paddy crop varieties were approved for release across the state.

Among the non-paddy crops, three new varieties developed by Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) were approved:

• OUAT Kalinga Maize 1 (Khushi)
• OUAT Kalinga Mustard 2 (Samruddhi)
• OUAT Kalinga Mustard 3 (Siddhi)

The mustard varieties are particularly noted for their high yield and superior oil content, promising better returns for mustard growers in the state.

In the paddy segment, the committee cleared four new varieties developed by OUAT:

• OUAT Kalinga Rice 3 (Sampada)
• OUAT Kalinga Rice 12 (Paraja)
• OUAT Kalinga Rice 12A (Padmaja)
• OUAT Kalinga Rice 14 (Shreepada)

In addition, seven varieties from the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack were also approved:

• CR Dhan 215 (Indumati)
• CR Dhan 325 (Salila)
• CR Dhan 334 (Satyadev)
• CR Dhan 335 (Alok)
• CR Dhan 604 (Kalpana)
• CR Dhan 705 (Ganga)
• CR Dhan 912 (Ashutosh Mehek)

These varieties have been developed with a focus on traits such as climate resilience, short maturity duration, high yield potential, and nutritional benefits.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Padhee emphasized that the introduction of these varieties is a forward-looking step toward making Odisha’s agriculture more climate-adaptive and economically rewarding. He stated that future crop development must continue to prioritize resilience to climate change, reduced growing periods, and nutritional value.

The move is expected to benefit thousands of farmers across the state by improving productivity, lowering risks related to erratic climate patterns, and increasing profitability in the agriculture sector.