Koorka (Chinese Potato) Yield Booster Spray for Farmers

Commercial cultivation of Koorka (കൂർക്ക) — also known as Chinese Potato — has officially gained momentum across Kerala’s key districts including Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Ernakulam. Koorka is a crop with exceptionally high market demand, yet Kerala’s current production falls 30–40% short of meeting that demand.

Despite sufficient farmland, fertilizers, and water, yields have remained disappointingly low. The solution, however, may already be here — thanks to a specially formulated micronutrient mixture developed by the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, that has shown a proven 12.79% increase in Koorka production during field trials in Tamil Nadu.

Koorka Chinese Potato cultivation in Kerala farm with lush green leaves

📉 The Productivity Crisis in Koorka (കൂർക്ക) Farming

Koorka (Chinese Potato / കൂർക്ക) holds a strong position in Kerala’s vegetable market, with demand consistently outpacing supply. Yet, despite the availability of agricultural resources, farmers have struggled to significantly improve output. The gap between demand and supply currently stands at 30 to 40 percent, indicating a serious need for targeted agronomic interventions.

⚠️ Did You Know? The current Koorka (കൂർക്ക) production in Kerala is 30–40% less than the demand. Even with existing farmland, fertilizers, and water, there has been no significant change in productivity — until now.

🔬 CTCRI’s Micronutrient Mixture — The Game Changer for Koorka (കൂർക്ക)

Farmer spraying CTCRI micronutrient mixture on Koorka Chinese Potato leaves in a field

The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), located at Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, has formulated a specialized micronutrient mixture designed to increase the productivity and quality of the Koorka (കൂർക്ക) tuber.

In field trials conducted in Tamil Nadu, this mixture achieved a remarkable 12.79% increase in production. The mixture is specifically designed for foliar application — meaning it is sprayed directly onto the Koorka leaves rather than applied to the soil.

This technology has already been transferred to an intermediary institution and can also be taken up by entrepreneurs in Kerala who wish to scale up Koorka cultivation commercially.

🌿 How to Apply the Micronutrient Spray on Koorka (കൂർക്ക)

Applying this micronutrient mixture correctly is essential to achieve the best results. Follow these specific guidelines as recommended by CTCRI:

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Mixing Rate
Dissolve 5 ml of the micronutrient mixture per 1 liter of water for foliar spray.

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First Application
Spray on Koorka leaves on the 45th day after planting.

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Second Application
Repeat the spray on the 75th day after planting.

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Application Method
This mixture is formulated specifically for spraying on leaves (foliar application only).

✅ Tip for Entrepreneurs: This CTCRI technology has been transferred to an intermediary institution and is available for entrepreneurs in Kerala to adopt commercially. This presents a significant opportunity to close the 30–40% supply gap in the Koorka (കൂർക്ക) market.

📊 Proven Results from Field Trials

The micronutrient mixture has been rigorously tested. Here’s a quick summary of the trial outcomes and what this technology means for Koorka (കൂർക്ക) farmers:

12.79%

Increase in production recorded in Tamil Nadu field trials

Spray applications required — Day 45 and Day 75

Kerala districts with active commercial Koorka cultivation

📞 Contact CTCRI for More Information

Farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural institutions interested in adopting this micronutrient technology for Koorka (കൂർക്ക) cultivation can contact the following:

🏛️ Central Tuber Crops Research Centre (CTCRI)

📍 Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

📱 Phone: 9447158546

❓ FAQ

What is the CTCRI micronutrient mixture for Koorka (കൂർക്ക)?

The CTCRI micronutrient mixture is a specially formulated foliar spray developed by the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram. It is designed to improve the productivity and quality of Koorka (Chinese Potato / കൂർക്ക) tubers. Field trials in Tamil Nadu showed a 12.79% increase in Koorka production using this mixture.

When should the micronutrient spray be applied on Koorka (കൂർക്ക) plants?

The micronutrient mixture should be sprayed on Koorka (കൂർക്ക) leaves on the 45th day and again on the 75th day after planting. These two applications are critical for maximizing tuber yield and quality.

What is the correct mixing ratio for the Koorka micronutrient spray?

The recommended mixing rate is 5 ml of the micronutrient mixture per 1 liter of water. This solution should be applied directly as a foliar spray on the Koorka (കൂർക്ക) leaves, not into the soil.

Why is Koorka (Chinese Potato) production low in Kerala?

Despite sufficient farmland, fertilizers, and water, Koorka (കൂർക്ക) cultivation in Kerala produces 30–40% less than market demand. The primary reason is the lack of targeted micronutrient management. The CTCRI’s foliar micronutrient spray is a direct response to this productivity challenge, providing a science-backed solution for farmers.

Which districts in Kerala have commercial Koorka cultivation?

Commercial cultivation of Koorka (കൂർക്ക) has officially started in the Kerala districts of Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Ernakulam. These regions represent the primary growing zones where improved cultivation techniques can have the greatest impact on supply.

Can entrepreneurs in Kerala adopt the CTCRI Koorka micronutrient technology?

Yes. The CTCRI micronutrient technology for Koorka (കൂർക്ക) has been transferred to an intermediary institution and is available for entrepreneurs in Kerala to take up commercially. Interested parties can contact CTCRI at Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, at phone number 9447158546 for further details.

Is the CTCRI micronutrient spray safe for Koorka (കൂർക്ക) plants?

The micronutrient mixture has been specifically formulated by CTCRI, a leading government research institution, for use on Koorka (Chinese Potato / കൂർക്ക). It has undergone field trials in Tamil Nadu with proven positive results. Farmers should follow the recommended dosage of 5 ml per liter and apply only on the 45th and 75th days for best and safe results.