ICAR-CPCRI Develops New High-Yielding Coconut Cultivar

The new variety, designated particularly for the root (wilt) disease-prone tract and given the name Kalpa Vajra (in honour of the regional station's platinum jubilee), has an annual average output of 80.1 nuts/palm. The average annual production of 158 nuts is produced by a healthy palm tree, compared to 65 nuts by a damaged palm.

The All India Coordinated Research Projects (Palms) advised that Kalpa Vajra be published in September. The Central Variety Release Committee will shortly notify the public about Kalpa Vajra's release, according to representatives of the ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam.

The ICAR-CPCRI is suggesting a variety for release particularly for the root (wilt) illness widespread tract after a ten-year hiatus, according to P. Anithakumari, head of the ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam.

Three coconut types – Kalparaksha (2008), Kalpasree, and Kalpa Sankara — were previously published by the ICAR-CPCRI (both in 2012).

By mating West Coast Tall (WCT) palms that provide excellent yields and are free of root (wilt) disease, the Kalpa Vajra type of coconut was created. After serological testing, the parental palms for crossing were chosen from farmer's plots in "hotspots" of root (wilt) disease.

According to Regi Jacob Thomas, head scientist of the ICAR-CPCRI Regional Station, they want to start distributing Kalpa Vajra seedlings to farmers on a priority basis in 2025.

Through the modified ground pollination technique created by ICAR-CPCRI, the regional station has worked with three grama panchayats — Pathiyoor, Devikulangara, and Oachira in Alappuzha and Kollam — to mass produce the premium WCT and Kalpa Vajra seedlings.