The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, has developed a light-coloured turmeric variety named:

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (b) IISR Surya

Explanation

• The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, developed the light-coloured turmeric variety “IISR Surya”, designed to meet market demands for turmeric with milder colour intensity and good processing quality.
• The lighter rhizome colour makes it suitable for specific industrial and culinary applications where deep yellow pigmentation is not preferred.

Information Booster

• IISR Surya is known for:
• Lighter rhizome colour
• Moderate curcumin content
• Good yield performance in South Indian agro-climatic zones
• Suitability for powder processing and export
• It was developed through systematic breeding under IISR’s Turmeric Improvement Programme.

Additional Knowledge

• Other key IISR turmeric varieties:
• IISR Pragati – early maturing, high yield
• IISR Prathibha – high curcumin content
• IISR Kedaram – good processing quality
• IISR Alleppey Supreme – premium export quality
• India's role in turmeric:
• India contributes ~80% to global turmeric production.
• Major turmeric-growing states: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra.