Odisha to Become a Pulse “Seed Hub” with Revival of Forgotten Foods

Deputy CM Chairs Intensive Agriculture Program Meeting

A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo to discuss an intensive agriculture program focused on the revival and sustainable cultivation of forgotten foods. The initiative aims to align with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India to become self-reliant in pulses.

Promotion of Pigeonpea, Black Gram, and Lentils

To drive self-reliance in pulses, Odisha has decided to promote the cultivation of Pigeonpea, Black Gram, and Lentils through a cluster-based approach. The strategy aims to boost production and reduce dependency on imports, ensuring food security in the state.

Introduction of Heat-Tolerant Pigeonpea Variety

The meeting highlighted the ICRISAT-developed pigeonpea variety ICPV25444, which can grow in all seasons, tolerate heat up to 45°C, and reach maturity in 120 days. Officials described this variety as a potential game-changer for self-reliance in pulses.

Deputy CM Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo advised farmers to cultivate this new variety alongside traditional pigeonpea varieties such as Dangararani and Kandula, which are categorized as forgotten varieties by the Odisha State Seeds Corporation Ltd.

Odisha Aims to Become a “Seed Hub” for Pulses

The Deputy CM emphasized that Odisha should become a “seed hub” under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, particularly for pulses, to ensure availability of high-quality seeds for farmers across the state. This move is expected to strengthen Odisha’s position in pulse cultivation and seed production, supporting both farmers and food security goals.

Participation of Key Agriculture Officials and Experts

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Sh. Shubham Saxena, Director Agriculture, Sh. Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director Horticulture, along with representatives from ICRISAT, ICARDA, and other agriculture and horticulture departments.