New Launches for Tamil Nadu’s Diverse Climate
TNAU Introduces 19 New Crop Varieties for 2025 to Enhance Regional Farming: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), based in Coimbatore, has released 19 innovative crop varieties tailored for Tamil Nadu’s multiple agro-climatic regions. This 2025 rollout includes cereals, pulses, vegetables, oilseeds, fruits, spices, flowers, and medicinal crops, all designed to improve climate resilience and increase crop yields for local farmers.
Rice and Pulses Designed for Efficiency
TNAU’s new lineup includes three rice varieties: CO 59, a drought-tolerant semi-dwarf rice; and two slender-grain types—ADT 56 and ADT 60—which offer higher yield and better grain quality. In pulses, VBN 12 black gram is a standout, suitable for both irrigated and rice-fallow fields, promoting robust crop rotation.
Oilseeds and Vegetables See Hybrid Advancements
In oilseeds, the CTD 1 groundnut variety offers excellent drought resistance, while the YRCH hybrid castor enhances productivity. For vegetables, TNAU has developed four new types, including the compact PLR 1 ash gourd, preferred for its market appeal. Additionally, COH(M) 12 maize, a hybrid suited for consistent yield, has been introduced.
Expanding Varieties in Fruits, Spices, and Medicinal Plants
Among fruits, the university unveiled the Kaveri Vaaman dwarf banana, TKD 2 avocado, and SNKL 1 acid lime. In floriculture and spices, Thovalai 1 Nerium and PPI 1 nutmeg were introduced. Medicinal innovation was seen in CO 1 Sirukurinjan, while the KKM mushroom variety was developed for improved shelf life and commercial use.
Strengthening TNAU’s Legacy
With these 19 additions, TNAU’s total crop releases now exceed 920, demonstrating its commitment to agricultural progress and region-specific innovation. These developments aim to empower farmers to adapt to climate changes, enhance nutrition, and support sustainable farming across Tamil Nadu.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
| Category | Details |
| Institution | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore |
| Number of New Varieties | 19 (launched for 2025 cultivation) |
| Key Rice Types | CO 59 (drought-resistant), ADT 56, ADT 60 |
| Major Varieties | COH(M) 12 (Maize), VBN 12 (Black gram), CTD 1 (Groundnut), YRCH (Castor) |
| Fruits Introduced | Kaveri Vaaman (Banana), Avocado TKD 2, Acid Lime SNKL 1 |
| Others Released | PLR 1 (Ash Gourd), Thovalai 1 (Nerium), PPI 1 (Nutmeg), KKM (Mushroom) |
| Total TNAU Crop Releases | 929 varieties in over 100 years |
