Bidhan Kusum
A selection from BCKV, Kalyani, West Bengal, with smooth corms and creamy flesh. Sources differ on how itchy it is, so try a small lot first, and buy planting material through the university or your KVK.
Quick facts
- Type
- Corm / corm piece (vegetative)
- Season
- Kharif
- Maturity period
- Not documented in available sources
- Expected yield
- About 50–55 t/ha (reported)
- Suitable soil
- Loam
- Release
- Developed by Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), Kalyani, West Bengal (release year not documented in available sources)
About this variety
Bidhan Kusum is a suran (elephant foot yam) variety developed by Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), Kalyani, West Bengal, through selection, for the eastern plains. Sources describe it as a high-yielding type with smooth corms and creamy flesh, with a reported yield of about 50–55 t/ha. Its duration and disease reaction are not documented in the sources checked, and sources differ on acridity — some list it as non-acrid, others as acrid — so it is sensible to plant a small lot first and taste-test a properly cooked corm before scaling up. Ask BCKV or your KVK whether they can supply planting material or point you to a grower.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- SpacingPits of 60 × 60 × 45 cm at about 90 × 90 cm
- Fertilizer25–30 t/ha FYM plus 80:60:100 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O per hectare in two doses (general suran recommendation)
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
Not documented in available sources
Expected yield
About 50–55 t/ha (reported)
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
- Collar rot
- Leaf blight
- Mosaic
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- A university selection for the eastern plains, with a high reported yield of about 50–55 t/ha
- Smooth corms with creamy flesh
Things to consider
- Duration and disease reaction are not documented in the sources checked
- Reports differ on acridity — plant a small lot first and taste a well-cooked corm
- Buy planting material through BCKV or your KVK; availability can vary from year to year
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- West Bengal
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get Bidhan Kusum planting material?
It is a BCKV (Kalyani, West Bengal) variety, so start with the university and your local KVK. Availability can change from year to year, so ask early — before the March to May planting window — and ask for the variety name and a disease-free lot.
Sourced from: Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), West Bengal, ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram. editorial policy.