Posted On:
09 DEC 2024 5:46PM by PIB Thiruvananthpuram
ICAR – Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) has released its new ginger variety to benefit the ginger farmers. Named IISR Surasa, this variety has been developed by IISR through a farmers participatory breeding program. Surasa, is a non-pungent variety, having excellent organoleptic properties making it more palatable when consumed. Cultivated using scientific methods, it can yield up to 24.33 tons per hectare, providing consistent production for the farmer. Notably, Surasa is the first ginger variety in India developed exclusively for use as a vegetable.
The researchers discovered the original rhizome of this variety from a farmer, Mr. John Joseph, in Kodancherry, Kozhikode. With his consent the team of scientists from IISR performed rigorous testing and trials on the accession over six years. The farm trials of the variety has been done in regions across Kerala, Nagaland, Odisha and it has showcased stable yield throughout the trials ensuring stable and high productivity. Recently, the Kerala State Varietal Release Committee has granted approval for the cultivation of Surasa in Kerala.
Surasa's rhizomes are bold and plumpy, with a whitish yellow core. It has low fiber content and a dry recovery rate of about 21%, making it even ideal for making dry ginger when needed. The variety is also ideal for growing in polybags.
According to Dr. C.K. Thankamani, Principal Scientist at IISR and the lead researcher for Surasa, the variety's bold rhizomes and excellent characteristics make it highly suitable for commercial applications.
The planting material of this variety, in a limited quantity, will be made available to farmers starting from the next planting season in May-June. The research team behind IISR Surasa includes Dr. N.K. Leela, Dr. T.E. Sheeja, Dr. K.S. Krishnamoorthy, Dr. D. Prasad, Dr. Sharon Aravind, and Dr. S. Mukesh Shankar.