A new mosaic resistant cassava variety in India guaranteed to increase farmers’ income

The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute and the Department of Horticulture in Thiruvananthapuram have developed a mosaic disease-resistant cassava variety called 'Sree Raksha.' In 2021, the Institute developed a cassava variety that is resistant to mosaic disease, which is frequent among tapioca plants in this region. According to scientists, the Sree Raksha was first introduced in low batches in Salem since tapioca cultivation is prevalent in the Salem, Namakkal, and Erode districts. According to R. Muthuraj, Principal Scientist, the Sree Raksha variety is not only resistant to cassava mosaic disease but also produces a high yield and has a high starch content. According to Mr. Muthuraj, the new variety can produce 45 tonnes per acre and has a starch level of 28%. He claimed that 500 stems were first provided to farmers and that they could be cultivated on 1.5 to two acres. In the future, more stems will be provided to farmers. The government has launched a vertical ...