Central University of Odisha to Conduct Research on Indigenous Crop Varieties

The Central University of Odisha (CUO) has inaugurated a germplasm plot at its Landiguda campus in Koraput with a motive to promote the research of indigenous crops for conservation and potential reintroduction to mainstream agriculture. CUO vice-chancellor Chakradhar Tripathi inaugurated the germplasm conservation crop field which aims to conserve104 varieties of indigenous rice, 87 types of finger millet, 30 species of local Niger, 15 types of little millet, five varieties of foxtail millet, 15 types of maize, and eight species of wild yam, as reported by The Week. 

The university is planning to conduct the research from the core. Learning from the core will enable the learners to understand the need for conservation and the requirement of reintroduction to mainstream agriculture in the near future. The officials also highlighted the urgent need to revive traditional crops, which are being overshadowed by modern, non-native varieties. The officials further said that the traditional farming practices have been replaced by the cultural heritage. The need to preserve the crops is required not only to generate food but also to offer quality health and sustainability. 

Sharat Kumar Palita, Dean of the School of Biodiversity & Conservation of Natural Resources emphasised the importance of bridging scientific analysis and practical application through a "lab-to-land" approach. The lab-to-land approach will not only educate students about the theoretical knowledge of the indigenous rice, finger millet, local niger, foxtail millet, maize and other crops; but will also provide practical exposure to outcomes from the germplasm conservation crop field.