Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur) has developed two high yielding varieties of turmeric viz., Rajendra Sonia and Rajendra Sonali. In view of higher yield potential with greater curcumin content, these turmeric varieties are becoming very popular and famous. They are also in high demand among the farmers of different parts of the country. The seeds of these varieties are being supplied to the different districts of the state as well to other states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Assam, etc. through several agencies. The seeds of both the turmeric varieties are grown here on the University Farm to the tune of about 50-60 tonnes every year. Also, at least two Training programmes are being imparted every year to the growers (including SC & ST population), progressive farmers, extension personals on different aspects of improved cultivation practices of turmeric.
The details of these varieties are:
| Salient features |
High yielding: 400-450q/ha Curcumin content: 7.5-8.0% Plant height: 85-90cm Duration: 200-210 days Dry recovery: 18-19% Reaction to diseases: Leaf blotch: Moderately Resistant Leaf spot: Highly Resistant Rhizome rot: No problem |
| Salient features |
High yielding: 450-550 q/ha Curcumin content: 5.5-6.5% Plant height: 80-90cm Duration: 190-200 days Dry recovery: 18-19% Reaction to diseases: Leaf blotch: Moderately Resistant Leaf spot: Highly Resistant Rhizome rot: No problem |
Single plant view of Rajendra Sonia (RH-10)
Rhizome of Rajendra Sonia (RH-10)
Single plant view of Rajendra Sonali (RH-5)Sonia (RH-10)
Rhizome of Rajendra Sonali (RH-5)
(Content shared by Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar)