This document provides information on the cultivation of colocasia (taro). It states that colocasia is one of the oldest crops cultivated throughout India and Southeast Asia. It describes the ideal climate and soil conditions for growth as well as important varieties grown in different parts of India. The document outlines the steps for propagation, planting, fertilization, irrigation, harvesting, and postharvest handling of colocasia. It notes that colocasia corms and leaves are a nutritious food source.

2. Introduction
• Other name Taro and aravi (colocasia is an egyptian word)
• C.O- India to Southern Asia Family :- Araceae
• Colocasia (Colocasia esculentus) or taro is most important and
one of the oldest crops.
• Two types of colocasia – eddoe (C. esculentus var. antiquorum)
2n=2x=24 and dasheen 2n=3x=42( C. esculentus var. esculenta)
are commonly cultivated throughout India.
• The eddoe type is commonly called arvi and dasheen as bunda.
• Africa ranks first in area and production of colocasia followed
by Asia.
• Colocasia tubers are rich in starch and leaves and petioles are
used as vegetables.
• It contains more nutrients and minerals than other vegetables.

3. Climate and Soil
• Climate- Colocasia requires moist.
Conditions. In natural habitat, it
is commonly found near water
sources. This crop can grow on
hills if frost free conditions
remain during growth season.
• Soil – Well drained and fertile
sandy loam soil is ideally suited
for its cultivation. It also comes
up well in fertile loamy to clay
soil. It can stand well in heavy
soils and withstand waterlogged
conditions. The pH of 5.5-7.0 is
ideal.

4. Varieties
Colocasia has a wide variability and a large number of local
cultivars are grown in different parts of India.
Satamukhi, Sree Rashmi and Sree Pallavi are improved
varieties.
Varieties for :-
East India – White gauriya, Kakakachu, NDC 1, NDC 2, NDC 3,
Kadma, Nadia Local, Jhankhri and White Gauriya.
West India – Satamukhi and Saharshamukhi
South India – Sree Rashmi, Sree Pallavi and C16

5. Propagation
Colocasia is propagated
vagetatively mostly by
small cormels weighing
20-25g. Healthy, disease
and injury free and of
uniform sized planting
material should be
selected and stored in a
cool place at least for 3
months before planting.
One tonne planting
material is enough for a
hectare crop.

6. Cultivation
Planting
Planting is done by two methods
a) On ridges
b) Flat bed method
Planting of cormels should be done at 45cm spacing on ridges
made at 60cm apart.
Flat bed method can also adopted under upland conditions having
good drainage. Planting in small pits is good in flat bed
planting

8. Planting time :-
Rainy season is ideal time for planting whereas, Feb- Mar is for
irrigated areas.
Planting time state wise:-
Bihar and E. U.P: - June and February
Kerala: – April- June
Andhra Pradesh : - February
Tamil Nadu : - May
Assam : - April

9. Manuring and Fertilization
A basal dose of @ 10-15t/ha of well decomposed FYM be
mixed with soil 2-3 weeks before planting. The
application of 80:60:80kg/ha of N:P:K is economical
dose for most of the part of India. Half dose of N and K,
and full dose of P should be given at the time of planting,
while the remaining half dose of N and K should be
applied in 2 splits doses, first 7-10 days after sprouting
and second a month later. Earthing should be given after
each dressing.

10. Aftercare
It is it is essential to keep the field weed free. Hand weeding
should be done along with earthing up.
Generally two earthing up operations are required, first 7-8 days
after sprouting and second a month later.
Desuckering is done at the time of second earthing
up. Only 3 suckers/plant should be retained

11. Irrigation
Irrigation throughout the season increase yield.
About 5-8 irrigations are required for maximum yield of
cormels under summer conditions.
The kharif crop is grown under rain fed conditions, but
protective irrigation should be given as the rainfall is
not regular.

12. Harvesting
The crop matures in 120-150 days after planting. This is
indicated by drying up of leaves. Harvesting is done by
digging out the corms and cormels.
The mother corms and cormels are separated after harvesting.
It yields 30-40t/ha depending on the type of variety.
Dasheen type has more yield potential than eddoe type

13. Postharvest Management
Care should be taken during harvesting. The damaged
tubers should be separated from marketing lot and
consumed within 2-3 days.
Selected tubers should be spread on the ground.
Tubers should not be packed in air tight containers.
Packing in jute bags or basket prevents rotting during
storage.

14. Physiological Disorders
Water stagnation in the field results in tubers that
become hard to cook.
This occurs both in dasheen and eddoe varieties.
Control : - Proper drainage should be maintain in
the field .