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Turnip (Shalgam)RabiOpen-pollinatedUpdated 6 September 2026

Pusa Chandrima

An IARI Asiatic variety with attractive purple-topped, white-based roots and good early vigour, suited to an early rabi sowing in the plains.

SeasonRabi
Maturity period45–55 days
Expected yield18–22 t/ha
Suitable soilLoam

Quick facts

Crop
Turnip (Shalgam)
Type
Open-pollinated
Season
Rabi
Maturity period
45–55 days
Seed rate
3–4 kg/ha (about 1.2–1.6 kg/acre)
Expected yield
18–22 t/ha
Suitable soil
Loam
Release
Released by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

About this variety

Pusa Chandrima is an Asiatic (desi) turnip variety released by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, distinguished by its attractive two-tone root — white below ground and purple-red where the shoulder is exposed to sunlight, a colour pattern that appeals in the fresh market alongside the plain-white desi types. It is bred for the northern plains and tolerates a warm early-rabi sowing better than any European turnip, establishing quickly with good seedling vigour. Like other Asiatic types it is best sold and eaten within days of pulling rather than stored for weeks.

Key characteristics

    Plant typeOpen-pollinated
    Maturity45–55 days
    Yield potential18–22 t/ha
    Disease resistanceNo special resistance widely documented
    SoilLoam
    SeasonRabi

Sowing & cultivation

  • Sowing timeAugust to early September in the northern plains, for an early rabi crop
  • Seed rate3–4 kg/ha (about 1.2–1.6 kg/acre)
  • SpacingRows 30 cm apart; plants thinned to 8–10 cm apart in the row

Yield & maturity

Maturity period

45–55 days

Expected yield

18–22 t/ha

Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.

Pest & disease considerations

Major diseases

  • No special resistance widely documented

Advantages & considerations

Why farmers may choose it

  • Distinctive purple-and-white root colour gives it fresh-market appeal alongside plain-white desi types.
  • Good early seedling vigour and heat tolerance for an early rabi sowing.

Things to consider

  • An Asiatic type — does not store as long as a European (temperate) turnip; sell and use within days of pulling.

Suitable regions

States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.

  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Bihar
  • Delhi