Radish (mooli) is a popular vegetable grown across India because it grows fast, requires limited care, and fetches a good price in the market. Farmers grow it in both summer and winter seasons, depending on the variety. Choosing the right variety is very important because it affects root size, colour, taste, yield, and market demand. Many growth problems in radish start simply from selecting the wrong variety for the region or season. Here is a simple guide to help farmers choose the best radish varieties.
1. Pusa Chetki
Pusa Chetki is one of the most widely grown varieties in northern India. It is ideal for sowing from March to August. The roots are long, pure white, and very smooth. The variety is known for its early maturity and good taste. It keeps well after harvesting, making it suitable for market supply.
2. Pusa Himani
This variety performs well in cooler climates. Pusa Himani produces long, white roots with excellent flavour and crispness. It is best for winter cultivation and gives good yields even in areas with slightly lower temperatures. Farmers prefer this variety because it is less prone to pithiness (hollowing of roots).
3. Pusa Reshmi
Pusa Reshmi is an early variety suitable for sowing almost throughout the year in many parts of India. Its roots are smooth, white, and mildly pungent. Because of its fast growth, it is ideal for farmers who want quick returns. It also performs well in kitchen gardens and small farms.
4. Japanese White
This is a high-yielding variety with long, cylindrical roots. Japanese White radish is crisp, juicy, and sweet compared to many local types. It is widely grown for commercial purposes because of its uniform size and attractive appearance. It can tolerate mild heat, making it suitable for both early winter and late summer sowings.
5. Kashi Sweta
Developed for better heat tolerance, Kashi Sweta is suitable for tropical and subtropical regions. The roots are smooth, pure white, and slightly thicker. This variety helps farmers continue radish cultivation even in warmer months when many other varieties struggle to perform.
6. Hill Queen (or similar hill varieties)
Farmers in hilly areas often prefer varieties like Hill Queen, which are adapted to cooler climates and shorter day lengths. These varieties produce tender, white roots and have a mild flavour. They grow well in regions above 800–1000 meters altitude.
7. Local Desi Varieties
In many regions, local radish varieties are still preferred because they are well adapted to soil and climate conditions. These varieties may have slightly different shapes—round, tapering, or short—but they often have strong flavour and good heat tolerance. Local markets usually value them because of their traditional taste.
How to Choose the Right Variety?
Farmers should consider:
Season of cultivation (summer vs. winter)
Local climate (heat-tolerant vs. cool-season varieties)
Market preference (long white radish vs. round Asian types)
Days to maturity (early vs. late varieties)
Disease tolerance
Growing the right radish variety ensures better germination, root formation, taste, and higher profits. Selecting varieties suited to local conditions is one of the simplest ways to improve yield and reduce crop risk.
