ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research organized a field day on the tuberose variety Arka Prajwal at Kaginalli village, Shivamogga district, Karnataka, on 24.11.2025 under the RKVY project titled “Demonstration and dissemination of flower and medicinal crop varieties and technologies of ICAR-IIHR to the farmers and FPOs of Karnataka for export promotion and livelihood security.” A team of scientists from ICAR-IIHR, comprising Dr. T. Usha Bharathi, Dr. G. R. Smitha, Dr. P. Naveen Kumar and Dr. M. V. Dhananjaya, visited the farmer’s field. Thirty farmers from surrounding villages participated in the field day and interacted with the scientists on improved cultivation practices, integrated nutrient, pest and disease management, and the benefits of cultivating the tuberose variety Arka Prajwal.

The tuberose variety Arka Prajwal, developed by ICAR-IIHR, bears single-type flowers on tall and sturdy spikes. The flower buds are attractive with a slight pinkish tinge, while the fully opened flowers are white. Individual flowers are larger in size compared to the local single type. This hybrid produces a loose flower yield of about 17 t ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and exhibits superior shelf life compared to other varieties. The flowers are extensively used by fragrance industries for the extraction of high-value tuberose absolute and essential oil.

The tuberose variety Arka Prajwal was introduced as a sole crop in maize-growing areas and as an intercrop in arecanut plantations in Kagenalli, Kuganahalli, Shikaripura and Naomti villages of Shivamogga district and surrounding areas. Quality planting material of Arka Prajwal was supplied by ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, under the above-mentioned RKVY project. Farmers received comprehensive technical guidance from ICAR-IIHR scientists at all stages of crop production. In addition to the improved variety Arka Prajwal, an improved package of practices, including raised bed cultivation, drip irrigation, phenophase-based fertigation, and integrated management of nutrients, pests and diseases, as well as scientific flower and bulb harvest and management was demonstrated and advocated to the farmers.

The tuberose variety Arka Prajwal starts flowering about three months after planting and continues to produce flowers for two to three years, with comparatively lean flowering during the winter months. The high and sustained flower yield of this variety has significantly improved the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers by providing a regular source of income through daily flower sales. Farmers cultivating Arka Prajwal realized a net income of approximately ₹6,00,000 per acre per year from flower production. In addition, after two years of continuous flower harvesting, farmers harvested and sold bulbs to other growers, generating an additional income of about ₹2,00,000 per acre. Overall, farmers were able to earn nearly ₹8,00,000 per acre per year from the cultivation of Arka Prajwal.

Farmers expressed satisfaction with the profitability and steady income generated through this ICAR-IIHR technology, which has improved their livelihood.