It is a highly potential tropical tuber crop. In India, it has attained the status of a cash crop and the area under its cultivation is increasing fast. This crop also offers excellent export potential from India, since it is not generally cultivated commercially in other countries. The crop is gaining popularity due to its shade tolerance, easiness in cultivation, high productivity, less incidence of pests and diseases, steady demand and reasonably good price. It is rich source of carbohydrates, minerals and vitamin A, B. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra and West Bengal are major yam growing states of India. 

It can be grown on variety of soil. Well drained light loamy to heavy soils are suitable for its optimum yields. 

Shrikirti, Shri Rupa, Shri Shubhra

Shri Priya, Shri Dhanya

Gajendra: Also known as theepikanda. High yielding variety gives average yield of 20-24ton/acre. 

Other States varieties

Santragachi: Corms are slightly acidic. Rough corms with light cream color. Gives average yield of 20-28ton/acre. 

Kovvur: High yielding variety. Corms are slightly bitter. Gives average yield of 40ton/acre.

Shree Padma: Non-acrid tubers. Variety developed at CTCRI. Gives average yield of 16ton/acre. 

Shree Athira: Improved variety with very good cooking quality. 

Bidhan Kusum: Developed at Vidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. 

Palam Zimikand 1: Released from C.S.K.H.P.K.V, Palampur. 

Plough land at depth of 20-25cm to get fine tilth land. Pits of 50cmx50cmx30cm are prepared at distance of 60cm.  

Time of sowing:

May to June is optimum time of cultivation.

Spacing:

For sowing use spacing of 120cmx60cm.

Sowing depth:

For small size corms, sow them at lesser depth where as for large corms, sow corms in pit of 45cm diameter, at greater depth. In general sow corms at depth of 5-10cm.

Method of sowing:

For sowing use dibbling method.

Seed rate:

For sowing use three to four year old corms. For sowing of one acre land, use tubers/minisetts of 1458kg/acre.

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

Apply fertilizer dose on basis of soil test results.

At time of field preparation, apply well decomposed cow dung @12-14ton/acre along with whole amount of Ammonium Sulphate, SSP, and MoP. Six to seven week after sowing, apply Urea@60kg per acre.

Apply first irrigation immediately after planting. After provide irrigation as per need. When crop is at maturity stage apply light irrigation. 

Intercultural operations are carried out for weed control. To control the weeds, two - threehoeing’s should be done in initial stage of plant growth. Weeding operations should be carried out in the soil at the time of fertilizer application and mainly earthing up is done during rainy season.

For preplant weed control, apply Fluchloralin@0.8Ltr/acre.  

• Diseases and their control:

Mosaic: It results in mottling and distortion of leaf lamina. In severe conditions leaf dropping is observed.

Use healthy corms for sowing. Remove infected plants from field. 

Soft Rot: Water soaked lesion observed on leaves. Rotting of stem take place in this disease.

If incidence of disease is observed take spray of Copper Oxy Chloride immediately.  

Leaf Rot: If infestation is observed take spray of Mancozeb@2gm per Litre. 

Collar Rot: Use disease free corms for planting. Avoid water logging situation in field. Incorporate neem cake in soil. Drench soil with Carbendazim solution. 

• Pests and their control:

Aphids: They suck the sap from the leaves resulting in yellowing and drooping of leaves.

As a preventive measure, take sprayof Quinolphos or Dimethoate@0.05% or Captan@0.20%. 

Thrips: They results in curling of leaves, leaves become cup shaped or curved upward.

If infestation is observed, take sprayof Dimethoate@2ml/Ltr of water. 

Mealy Bugs: It feeds on tuberand thus result in poor germination.

If infestation is observed, take spray of Dimethoate@2ml/Ltr of water. 

Generally, crop is ready to harvest within six - eight months. The leaves turn yellow and fall on the ground. For harvesting of corms take help of crow bar. By digging take out tuber without damaging them.