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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Suitability evaluation of rapid multiplication of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) for hilly zone of Karnataka
Authors
Harsha K N, Kavya S, Manuval Joseph, Veeresh N, Karuppa Samy K
Abstract
Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is one of the most important spice,
essentially a tropical crop grown in India. Sakleshpur falls under zone-IX hilly
zone - Agro-climatic zone of Karnataka. Traditionally plantation crops like
coffee, cardamom and black pepper are predominantly grown and rice is
cultivated in the plain region. Due to escalating cost in paddy cultivation,
farmers are alternatively attempting ginger in this area. Since ginger
experiences high disease load and high cost in production, alternatively
turmeric is attempted for this area. Turmeric is hardy for any biotic or
abiotic stress in comparison to ginger. As turmeric is propagated through
vegetative means through rhizomes, large quantity of planting material is being
used (>2.5 tonnes/ha), which comprises >30 per cent of the production
cost, also creates storage problem, handling issues, huge labour requirement
and transportation problems. Keeping these points in view, an observational field
trial was conducted during 2022-24 for two seasons to evaluate different
propagation approach of turmeric and their suitability to hilly zones of
Karnataka particularly Sakleshpur area. The
experiment was conducted under irrigated condition. The soil of experimental
plot was sandy loam in texture, pH 5.9 organic carbon content 1.3%, phosphorus
18 kg/ha, potassium 338 kg/ha. Improved variety IISR
Pratibha was used in the trial. The trails were laid out in Randomized complete
block design (RCBD) with seven replications and three treatments. T1 - Planting
of whole mother rhizomes (Seed rate 2500 kg/ha), T2 - Planting of primary
rhizomes of 30-40 gm weight (Seed rate 2000 kg/ha) and T3 - Transplanting
turmeric seedling raised by single nodes rhizome weighing 6-7 gm (Seed rate 500
kg/ha). The plot size of 3m x 1m was maintained. The spacing followed was 45 cm
x 30 cm. For the treatment-3 healthy turmeric seedlings of 35 to 45 days were
used for transplanting. The data revealed that by practicing rapid
multiplication of turmeric farmers can save >70% of the seed rhizome requirement
per unit area. Weeding and irrigation water can be saved up to 45 days in main
field. The treatment T1 and T2 were recorded highest
plant height and number of tillers per clump at 150 DAP followed by T1.
Planting whole mother rhizome or primary rhizome having 30-40g weight recorded
significantly higher weight of mother, primary and secondary rhizome.
Significantly higher fresh rhizome weight of 23.4 t/ha was observed in
treatment where entire mother rhizome was planted closely followed by planting
of primary rhizome having 30-40g weight (23.24 t/ha). Higher net returns of
Rs.1,35,384 /ha and higher B:C ratio of 1.68 was recorded in T2. Thus,
it can be concluded that by practicing conventional method of turmeric planting
using mother or primary rhizome of better size (30-40g) a farmer can get >37
per cent of higher rhizome yield per unit area as compared to transplanting
turmeric seedlings raised using single node. In turn it gives net profit of
1.27 to 1.35 lakh per ha. The technology of transplanting seedlings of turmeric
is not ideally suited for Sakleshpur condition. The main drawback of rapid
multiplication technology is seedlings should be raised at least 35-45 days
earlier for the season which exactly coincide with coffee and pepper harvesting
and drying operations. Hence mobilizing labour for purpose of turmeric seedling
preparation will be challenging in Sakleshpur area. Above all poor growth
characters exhibited by transplanted seedlings ultimately reflected in lower
yield levels too.
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Pages:75-77
How to cite this article:
Harsha K N, Kavya S, Manuval Joseph, Veeresh N, Karuppa Samy K "Suitability evaluation of rapid multiplication of turmeric (<i>Curcuma longa</i> L.) for hilly zone of Karnataka". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 75-77
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