Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has entered into a significant agreement with Gourmet Popcornica LLP, based in Andhra Pradesh, to license the dual-type oat variety OL 16. The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, PAU's Director of Research, and Rakesh Arora, representing Gourmet Popcornica LLP. The collaboration aims to promote and commercialize this versatile oat variety.
OL 16, introduced in 2022, is the first dual-type oat variety developed specifically for irrigated regions in Punjab, as highlighted by Dr. Rahul Kapoor, Senior Forage Breeder at PAU’s Department of Plant Breeding. The variety features medium-tall plants with broad leaves and profuse tillering, providing an abundant supply of fodder. In addition to its superior fodder quality, OL 16 also produces high-quality grain and flour. The first cut for fodder can be harvested 65-70 days post-sowing, yielding approximately 90 quintals of green fodder per acre. Upon maturity, the regenerated crop produces an average grain yield of 7.6 quintals per acre.
During the signing, Dr. GS Mangat, Additional Director Research (Agriculture) at PAU, and Ramesh Chowdary NVV, Vice President of Gourmet Popcornica, were also present.
Dr. VS Sohu, Head of the Department of Plant Breeding, praised the PAU scientists and Gourmet Popcornica for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the widespread adoption of this innovative oat variety.
Dr. Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director of the Technology Marketing and IPR Cell at PAU, emphasized that the university is committed to disseminating its agricultural innovations through commercialization. He noted the growing popularity of PAU-developed oat varieties in the market, thanks to the university's continuous efforts to ensure that these innovations reach the masses.
This partnership marks a significant step in promoting agricultural advancements and ensuring that the benefits of such innovations are widely accessible.
