Coriander variety · Released variety
Arka Isha
Also known as IIHR Coriander Arka Isha
ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, Karnataka · ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru
Unique multicut leafy coriander—a departure from traditional seed varieties. Bushy, high-yielding plants with broad, short-lobed leaves. Rich in vitamin C (167 mg/100g FW). Late-flowering trait enables extended harvest periods and premium fresh market positioning.
Key facts
| Type | Released variety |
|---|---|
| Origin | ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Breeder / source | ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru |
| Parentage | Mass selection from exotic introduction (IIHR ACC No. 19528, origin Japan) |
| Yield | 11.98 t/ha by cutting (3 harvests in 70 days); 3.74 t/ha by single pulling at 40 days |
| Tolerance | Suited to warm, irrigated conditions; good keeping quality (21 days refrigerated) |
| Distinctive features | Bushy plants, broad leaves, late flowering, vitamin C 167 mg/100g FW, excellent aroma, 3-week shelf life under refrigeration |
| Grown in | Southern India, irrigated regions; suitable for fresh market channels |
| Also known as | IIHR Coriander Arka Isha |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
Arka Isha in detail
A multicut leafy coriander developed at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, by mass selection from a Japanese introduction. Unlike traditional seed-type coriander, it is bred for fresh leaf production.
Origin & story
Developed through mass selection from an exotic introduction from Japan (IIHR Accession No. 19528) at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru. Released as a leafy coriander variety aimed at fresh herb production.
How it grows
A multicut variety: leaves can be pulled from about 40 days after sowing (around 3.74 t/ha at that stage), or harvested by repeated cutting to give roughly 12 t/ha across three cuttings completed within about 70 days. Bushy growth supports cut-and-come-again harvesting.
Quality & character
Plants are bushy with broad, short-lobed leaves and a late-flowering habit, which extends the leafy harvest window. Leaves carry about 167 mg vitamin C per 100 g fresh weight. The variety is noted for good aroma and keeping quality, holding up for around three weeks (about 21 days) under refrigeration.
Why it matters to buyers
Aimed at the fresh herb market. The late-flowering, bushy habit allows extended cutting cycles, which can reduce how often the crop is replanted. The high vitamin C content suits health-focused fresh-market positioning.
About coriander
Coriander, or dhania as it's known across India, remains the country's most valuable spice crop—a winter staple from the Rajasthan plains to the Deccan peninsula. Over the past five decades, Indian research institutions have developed dozens of improved varieties, each suited to specific climates, soils, and market demands, while traditional landraces…
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