High yielding varieties of cassava and Chinese potatoes were introduced for the farmers in India

By P. Sudhakar The Thiruvananthapuram-based Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) has demonstrated the capacity of new high-yielding and pest-resistant variety of cassava and Chinese potato (Sirukizhangu) by planting these varieties in two villages in the district. While ‘Sree Reksha’ cassava variety was planted in the ranches of five farmers from Kanakkupillaivalasai, the Chinese potato’s efficacy was proved in the fields of eight farmers of Kuththapaanjaan. Both the experiments have demonstrated the high-yielding capacity of these two new varieties and a good number of farmers have opted to cultivate these tubers in their farms. According to G. Byju, Principal Scientist and Head, Department of Crop Production, CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram, the new variety of cassava gives the yield of 45 tonnes per hectare with very good ‘keeping quality’ and has resistance to cassava mosaic disease. “With overwhelming response from the farmers, the planting materials of ‘Sree Reksha’ and ...