Kerala Agricultural University releases five new high-yielding crop varieties

Published 10 July 2026 · education

The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has released five new crop varieties developed for the State’s agro-climatic conditions after securing approval from the 29th Kerala State

The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has released five new crop varieties developed for the State’s agro-climatic conditions after securing approval from the 29th Kerala State Seed Sub-Committee. The newly released varieties—KAU Thejaswini (chilli), KAU Medha (brahmi), KAU Sougandhika (vetiver), KAU Cochin Pride (ginger), and KAU Golden Finger (turmeric)—have been developed to offer higher yields, superior quality and better economic returns to farmers. The varieties were approved by the committee chaired by Tinku Biswal, Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Agriculture, in June 2026. KAU Thejaswini, developed by Sharada S., Associate Professor and Head, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, is a long-fruited, high-yielding chilli variety recommended for cultivation across Kerala. The bushy plants produce smooth, glossy fruits that are dark green at maturity and turn red on ripening.

The variety has medium pungency, field tolerance to viral diseases and bacterial wilt, and an average yield of 32.5 tonnes a hectare. It also enjoys good consumer acceptance. KAU Medha, a brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) variety developed by Ancy Joseph, Professor and Head, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station, Odakkali, is particularly suited to central Kerala. It combines high biomass production with elevated bacoside content, the medicinal compound for which brahmi is valued. The creeping plant develops light brown anthocyanin pigmentation on its stems about 80 days after planting and yields 34-36 tonnes of fresh herbage and 5-6 tonnes of dried produce a hectare under open, well-lit conditions. Joseph has also developed KAU Sougandhika (ODV 27), a new vetiver (ramacham) variety containing 1.4% essential oil.

The variety is characterised by vigorous growth, profuse tillering, high root yield and delayed flowering. Its thick, long and aromatic roots produce 6.1-7.8 tonnes of dry root a hectare and are recommended for cultivation in the open areas of central Kerala for root and essential oil production. KAU Cochin Pride, a ginger variety developed by Nair Sunil Appukuttan, Assistant Professor, Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, retains the characteristic pungency and aroma of the traditional Cochin ginger while offering higher zingiberene and starch content. The crop matures in 240-245 days, is resistant to rhizome rot, and can be grown as a sole crop or intercrop in coconut plantations. Producing large rhizomes with strong market acceptance, it yields an average of 36.3 tonnes a hectare and has been recommended for dry ginger production in Kottayam and Idukki districts.