New varieties of Coconut and Cocoa

• A new dwarf coconut variety named ‘Kalpa Suvarna’ and two new hybrid varieties of cocoa developed by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) , were released.

‘Kalpa Suvarna’ variety is ideal for tender coconut and copra production.

• The variety starts flower 30-36 months after planting.
• Its fruits are large-sized, oblong, and green in colour.
• Its tender nut water content is 431 ml and the copra content is around 186 grams with an oil content of 64.5%.
• The variety yields 108 to 130 nuts per palm every year under good management.
• It is recommended for cultivation in Karnataka and Kerala.

COCA VARIETIES

• The coca varieties – VTL CH I and VTL CH II – released have high fat and nutrient contents.
• The VTL CH I is a high yielder and can be cultivated as an inter-crop both in arecanut and coconut plantations.
• It is suitable for traditional Karnataka and Kerala belts and Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh also.
• The VTL CH II is also a high yielder. It is tolerant to black pod rot which is high in high rainfall region. It is suitable for Karnataka and Kerala.
• The yield of both the varieties is 1.5 kg to 2.5 kg dry bean per tree per year.