Odisha agriculture varsity develops five new varieties of seeds

Bhubaneswar: In a major breakthrough in agriculture research, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) developed five new varieties of seeds.

Apart from five new varieties of seeds, the agriculture scientists are conducting research on 15 other types of advanced seeds varieties, said OUAT Vice Chancellor SN Pasupalak.

The five new varieties of seeds included maize seed (OIMX 14-27), two varieties of cotton seeds (BS 30, BS 279), one variety of sesame (OSC 79) and a variety of castor seed (DCH 1715).

These five new varieties of seeds will be released this year, said Pasupalak.

Another 15 varieties of seeds will be released by end of this year, he added.

Meanwhile, the regional centre of Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR) will be set up on premises of OUAT for advanced research on pulses.

The proposed project will be established with support of ICAR in 10 hectare at an expenditure of Rs 6 crore. The centre will develop new varieties of pulses suitable for cultivation in five eastern states of India including Odisha.

Besides, a blue print has been prepared by the OUAT for expansion of education and research.

The varsity is planning for smart classroom, development of examination room and library as well as education farm. Also a model tutorial complex, public service centre, university convenience centre, sports complex and new hostel will be constructed on premises of the university, Pasupalak further said.