Indu: This is a variety of greater yam developed at RARS, Kumarakam (KAU). Crop duration 8 months. This is recommended as a pure crop and also as an intercrop of coconut in the reclaimed alluvial soils of Kuttanad. Spreading type. Tubers with brownish black skin and white inner core. Yield per plant 3.93 kg.

Sree Karthika: It is a variety released from CTCRI, Trivandrum. The crop matures within 9 months.  High yield, excellent cooking quality. The tubers have 21.42 per cent starch, 1.14 per cent sugar and 2.47 per cent crude protein.

Sree Keerthi: It is a variety released from CTCRI, Trivandrum. Duration 9-10 months. The plant climb to a height of 4-5 m. Suitable for intercropping in mature coconut garden and with banana. Yield 25-30 T / Ha. Starch content 20-22 % on fresh weight basis. Good cooking quality and excellent taste.

Sree Roopa: It is a variety released from CTCRI, Trivandrum. Duration 9-10 months. Climb to a height of 4-5 m. Tubers are smooth. Yield 25-30 T / ha. Starch content 17-19 % and protein 1-2 % on fresh weight basis. Possesses excellent cooking quality.

Sree Shilpa: It is a variety released from CTCRI, Trivandrum. First hybrid released in Dioscorea alata. Inter varietal hybrid between Da140 & Sree Keerthi. Crop duration 8 months. Swollen oval tubers with white flesh. Yield potential 40 t/ ha. Average yield 28 t/ ha. The tubers have 33-35 per cent dry matter, 17-19 per cent starch, 1.4-2 per cent protein and 0.8-1.2 per cent sugar.

Ragi- Variety information

Ragi is propagated by seeds. The recommended seed rate is 2 kg/acre for direct sown crop and 1.6-2 kg/acre for transplanted crop.

Ragi is suited for cultivation in areas with annual rainfall of 700-1200 mm. It does not tolerate heavy rainfall and requires a dry spell at the time of grain ripening.

Plough the field thoroughly 3-4 times. Add organic manure @ 20 kg/cent.  Ragi is raised as a direct sown crop or transplanted crop.

Transplant the seedlings when they are three weeks old. The recommended spacing is 25 x 15 cm.

Give the first irrigation on the 3rd day to facilitate seedlings to emerge out.

Apply recommended basal dose of fertilizers at the time of planting. A time lag of ten days should be given between application of lime and fertilizers.