Why are my beetroot (chukandar) roots small, forked or pale?

Several common causes. Small roots usually mean overcrowding from not thinning, low fertility, or harvesting too early, so thin to proper spacing and give balanced nutrition. Forked or twisted roots come from cloddy, stony or compacted soil and from fresh undecomposed manure, so prepare a fine, deep, well rotted seedbed. Pale colour and woody texture often come from hot weather, water stress, or a variety not suited to the season, so grow in the cool months and irrigate evenly to avoid stress. Boron deficiency can also cause internal black spots in roots. Get your soil tested and follow the Soil Health Card so you balance nutrition rather than guessing.