A Complete Guide to Turmeric Varieties

Turmeric, the golden spice renowned for its vibrant color and myriad health benefits, comes in a multitude of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. From the lush fields of Kerala to the vibrant landscapes of Andhra Pradesh, each turmeric variety tells a story of resilience, adaptability, and abundance, enriching both the soil and the soul. Let's take a journey into the world of turmeric varieties to discover their diverse attributes and regional adaptations. Read On.

IISR-Pragati

Released in 2017, IISR-Pragati is a product of meticulous germplasm selection. This variety finds its niche in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh. With a crop duration of 180 days, it yields approximately 38.0 tonnes per hectare, showcasing quality attributes like 5.02% curcumin and 15.29% oleoresin. Its moderate resistance to root-knot nematodes makes it a favored choice among farmers.

IISR-Kedaram

Developed through AFT selection, IISR-Kedaram entered the agricultural scene in 2004. Ideal for cultivation in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and North Bengal, this variety boasts a crop duration of 210 days. While its yield stands at 5.28 tons per hectare in dry weight, its fresh potential yield reaches an impressive 29 tons per hectare. Known for its consistent curcumin content and field tolerance to leaf blotch disease, IISR-Kedaram is a reliable choice for farmers seeking quality and resilience.

Prathibha

Introduced in 1996, Prathibha emerged through open-pollinated progeny selection, offering versatility in cultivation across India. With a longer crop duration of 225 days, it yields an impressive 39.12 tonnes of fresh rhizomes per hectare. Prathibha stands out for its plump and bold rhizomes, coupled with resistance to root-knot nematodes, making it a valuable asset to farmers nationwide.

Prabha

Another gem from 1996, Prabha shares its origins in open-pollinated progeny selection. Maturity sets in at 205 days, with a yield of 37 tonnes of fresh rhizomes per hectare. Its distinct reddish-yellow rhizomes and disease-free track record in farmers' fields underscore its reputation as a high-yielding, quality variety.

Suguna

Hailing from germplasm PCT-13 collected in Andhra Pradesh, Suguna has made its mark in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh since 1991. With a crop duration of 190 days, it yields 29.3 tonnes of fresh rhizomes per hectare, with potential reaching 60.3 tonnes per hectare. Its moderate tolerance to pests and diseases, coupled with high yield and quality, positions Suguna as a sought-after variety in turmeric cultivation.

Sudarshana

Introduced in 1991, Sudarshana originates from germplasm PCT-14 collected in Singhat, Manipur. Sporting a crop duration of 190 days, it yields 28.8 tonnes of fresh rhizomes per hectare, with a potential of 54.9 tonnes per hectare. Sudarshana's resilience to major pests and diseases, along with its short duration growth and thick, plump rhizomes, make it a preferred choice among farmers.

Suvarna

Dating back to 1987, Suvarna traces its roots to germplasm PCT-8 collected in Assam. Thriving in Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Suvarna offers a crop duration of 200 days, yielding 17.4 tonnes of fresh rhizomes per hectare, with a potential of 43.5 tonnes per hectare. Its deep orange-colored rhizomes and field tolerance to various pests and diseases make it a resilient and productive variety.

IISR

Alleppey Supreme: Emerging from AFT selection in 2004, IISR-Alleppey Supreme flourishes in Kerala under rainfed conditions and in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and North Bengal under irrigated conditions. With a crop duration of 210 days, it yields 5.28 dry tonnes per hectare, boasting a potential fresh yield of 19.94 tonnes per hectare. Notable for its tolerance to leaf blotch disease, IISR-Alleppey Supreme embodies reliability and resilience in turmeric cultivation.