A Game-Changer in Ginger Farming

The ICAR – Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) has unveiled Surasa, its latest ginger variety designed for vegetable use. This groundbreaking variety, developed through a farmer-participatory breeding program, is the first of its kind in India. Cultivated using advanced scientific methods, Surasa offers a high yield of up to 24.33 tonnes per hectare, making it an excellent choice for farmers seeking consistent production and profitability.

The Journey of Surasa: From Discovery to Development

Surasa’s origins trace back to Kodancherry, Kozhikode, where a farmer named John Joseph first discovered its unique rhizome. Recognizing its potential, the IISR research team conducted rigorous trials over six years in multiple regions, including Kerala, Nagaland, and Odisha. These trials demonstrated that Surasa consistently delivers stable and high productivity, even across diverse agro-climatic conditions.

Recently, the Kerala State Varietal Release Committee approved Surasa for cultivation in Kerala. This marks a significant milestone in ginger farming and paves the way for its widespread adoption.

What Sets Surasa Apart

Surasa stands out for its unique features. Its bold and plumpy rhizomes, coupled with a whitish-yellow core, make it visually appealing. Furthermore, its low fiber content and a dry recovery rate of about 21 percent enhance its suitability for dry ginger production. Additionally, Surasa is ideal for cultivation in polybags, offering farmers greater flexibility in farming practices.

Key highlights include:

• High yield potential of 24.33 tonnes per hectare.

The Team Behind Surasa

The development of Surasa was a collaborative effort led by Principal Scientist C.K. Thankamani. Supporting her in this endeavor were dedicated researchers including N.K. Leela, T.E. Sheeja, K.S. Krishnamoorthy, D. Prasad, Sharon Aravind, and S. Mukesh Shankar. Their combined expertise and dedication have resulted in a variety poised to revolutionize ginger farming in India.

Future Availability of Planting Material

Farmers eager to cultivate Surasa will be pleased to know that planting material will be made available starting from the next planting season in May-June. This ensures they can capitalize on its high yield potential and unique characteristics.

The Impact of Surasa

With its remarkable features and adaptability, Surasa is set to transform ginger farming in India. Not only does it cater to the growing demand for vegetable-specific varieties, but it also provides versatility for dry ginger production. As a result, farmers stand to benefit significantly by adopting this innovative variety. Its introduction reflects the growing focus on sustainable and high-yield farming practices, ensuring better profitability for farmers in the long term.

Click here to reach our trading platfrom CMBroker