Odisha to Promote Cultivation of Pulses under Cluster Approach; Focus on Reviving Forgotten Varieties

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government has decided to promote the large-scale cultivation of Pigeonpea, Black gram, and Lentils across the state through a cluster-based approach. A high-level meeting in this regard was held today at Lok Seva Bhawan under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo.

The meeting focused on implementing an intensive agriculture programme, including the revival and sustainable intensification of forgotten foods. Emphasizing Odisha’s role in contributing to national pulse self-sufficiency, Singh Deo said the state has immense potential to become a “seed hub” under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

A key highlight of the discussion was the introduction of a new Pigeonpea variety (ICPV 25444) developed by ICRISAT, which can be cultivated in all seasons, withstand temperatures up to 45°C, and mature within 120 days. This heat-tolerant and fast-growing variety, officials noted, could be a game changer in boosting pulse production and achieving self-reliance.

The Deputy Chief Minister further advised the cultivation of this new Pigeonpea variety alongside traditional and indigenous ones such as Dangararani and Kandula, which are now being revived by the Odisha State Seeds Corporation Ltd. These local varieties, once widespread, are now categorized as forgotten foods and are being reintroduced to promote agrobiodiversity and nutritional resilience.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department; Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture; Kalunge Gorakh Waman, Director of Horticulture; and senior officers from the Agriculture Department, Directorate of Horticulture, Directorate of Agriculture & Food Production, as well as representatives from ICRISAT and ICARDA.