Bhubaneswar, May 29: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Odisha is set to cultivate exotic and colourful coconut varieties from different parts of the world. Coconut trees bearing dark green, red, orange and other coloured coconuts will soon be grown on Odisha soil as part of a research project initiated by Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology.
The project will be carried out at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Sakhigopal under OUAT. Seeds of dwarf coconut varieties have been sourced from several countries and regions including Nigeria, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, West Africa, Lakshadweep, and different parts of India.
Around 1.5 acres of land have been identified and prepared for the plantation. The seeds will be sown once the monsoon season begins.
Researchers will study how these colourful coconut varieties adapt to Odisha’s soil and climate. The research will also focus on disease resistance, taste of tender coconuts, oil quality, and overall productivity. If the experiment proves successful, saplings may later be distributed to coconut farmers with government support.
Though private agricultural entrepreneurs in Bhubaneswar have already been cultivating hybrid coloured coconuts sourced from Goa, Kerala and Bengaluru, this is the first time such a project is being undertaken at the government level in Odisha.
Since Odisha frequently faces cyclones, dwarf coconut varieties are being given priority because they are comparatively more resistant to strong winds and easier to manage. For this purpose, OUAT held discussions with the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in Kerala.
Under the collaboration, OUAT has received seeds of five foreign and two Indian coconut varieties. These include Nigeria’s “Green Dwarf,” Papua New Guinea’s “High Papua,” West Africa’s “Red Dwarf,” Fiji’s “New Leka Dwarf,” and Lakshadweep’s “Orange Dwarf.” The Indian varieties include “Dwipa Sona” and “Dwipa Haripatha.”
The research project will be conducted under the direct supervision of OUAT Vice-Chancellor P. K. Roul, while Sakhigopal KVK in-charge Ajit Sahu confirmed the details of the initiative.
