Kerala Agricultural University releases five new high-yielding crop varieties

KAU Thejaswini (chilli)

| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

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 (brahmi)