Gaya Farmer's Fair Marvel: 13.2 kg Elephant Foot Yam Steals Show, Tunkuppa Farmer's Feat

• A 13.2 kg elephant foot yam, grown by farmer Ishwar Kumar Verma from Tunkuppa block, was the main attraction at the Gaya farmer's fair.
• Verma cultivated the Gajendra variety yam, known for high yield and non-pungent taste, in about 8 months using organic methods.
• The Gajendra variety can yield 2-3 quintals per 'kattha' and offers profits up to 20,000 rupees, suitable for sandy loam soil.
• Ishwar Kumar, a regular award-winner, uses simple organic techniques like 'Shri Pranamrit' and 'Shri Jeevamrit' for cultivation.
• This cash crop requires no chemical fertilizers, is pest-resistant, and is harvested around Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath, fetching 50-60 rupees/kg.