The ideal season for planting the crop in the main field is July-August or November-December. Planting is done on raised beds of 60~90cm wide at a spacing of 30 x15cm (30cm 【M1】______ between rows and 15cm within plants in the same row). 【M2】______ Dry cow-dung/poultry manure or compost on the rate of 10 【M3】______ tonnes a hectare can be applied at the time of preparing the beds. Application of compost, rice husk or saw dust at the rate of two tonnes per every hectare was found to be beneficial in increasing【M4】______ the yield, according to Mr. Kutty. In wetlands, the beds should be raised sufficient to limit water stagnation to the channels 【M5】______ between the raised beds. Given details on the chemical 【M6】______ fertilizer application, Dr. Balachandran said, about 1~2 doses of 40~60 kg of nitrogen, 60 kg of phosphorus and 100 kg of potassium may be applied for one hectare of cuttings. In wetlands, where earthing is not possible due water 【M7】______ logging, fertilizers can be applied on the beds and raked into the soil. Though the variety is resistant to major pests, nematode infestation have been observed in some areas. 【M8】______ Crop rotation and use of soil conditioners, such as rice husk, can help control the spread, according to Dr. Balachandran. Irrigation may be stopped during the monsoon and be resumed during dry spells by aIlowing water to flow in the 【M9】______ channels. The crop can be harvested after 120~150 days. For those interested in growing this variety, the seed tubers will be abtainable by December at the Regional Agricultural Research【M10】______ Station, Pattambi or can be collected from farmers. 【M1】