Fri Feb 07 12:53:33 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Unveils 19 New Crop Varieties

**COIMBATORE, February 7, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) announced the release of 19 new crop varieties on Friday, designed to thrive in diverse agro-climatic conditions across the state. The new varieties represent a range of crops, including agricultural and horticultural options.

Among the agricultural crops, three new rice varieties (CO 59, ADT 56, and ADT 60), a maize hybrid (COH(M) 12), a blackgram variety (VBN 12), a drought-resistant groundnut (CTD 1), and a semi-dwarf castor hybrid (YRCH) were introduced.

The horticultural releases included four vegetable varieties: a long-shelf-life tomato (CO4), a bhendi hybrid (CO(H) 5), an industrial-grade chili (CO5), and a compact ash gourd (PLR 1). Three fruit varieties were also unveiled: a dwarf banana (Kaveri Vaaman), an avocado (TKD 2), and an acid lime (SNKL 1). Additional releases included a flower (Thovalai 1 Nerium), a spice (Nutmeg PPI 1), a coconut variety (ALR), a medicinal plant (CO 1 Sirukurinjan), and a mushroom variety (KKM) boasting improved shelf life.

Vice-Chancellor V. Geethalakshmi highlighted that TNAU has introduced 929 crop varieties over its 100-year history, with many gaining widespread popularity both nationally and internationally. The new varieties are expected to significantly benefit farmers in Tamil Nadu.

Read More