Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has introduced 11 new crop varieties as a 'Pongal Gift' to enhance agricultural production and improve farmers' income. The varieties include six agricultural crops and four horticulture crops, along with one forestry crop. These varieties are recommended for different seasons, soil conditions, and agricultural practices, and are expected to provide improved yield and resistance to common pests and diseases. The release of these varieties brings the total to 854 since the university's inception a century ago.