CPCRI Introduces New Varieties for Coconut and Cocoa Cultivation

Kalpa Suvarna, the newly developed coconut variant, is specifically tailored for tender coconut and copra production. It boasts distinctive features such as large-sized fruits, high water content, and optimal oil content.

The two cocoa varieties, VTL CH I and VTL CH II, exhibit high fat and nutrient levels. Notably, VTL CH II demonstrates resilience against black pod rot, a fungal disease that commonly affects Cocoa Trees and is primarily caused by fungal species from the genera Phytophthora.

VTL CH I is well-suited for cultivation in regions encompassing Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Conversely, VTL CH II is recommended for areas with high rainfall in Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. Both cocoa varieties have the potential to yield between 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg of dry beans per tree annually.

Established in 1916 by the Government of Madras, CPCRI has been at the forefront of agricultural research. Initially formed as part of the Indian Central Coconut Committee in 1947, it became an integral component of the National Agricultural System (NRS) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1970.

CPCRI's primary focus lies in the research and development of genetically superior planting materials across various crops, including coconut, arecanut, cocoa, cashewnut, and spices, contributing significantly to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in India.