SOYBEAN (EDIBLE)

(Scientific Name: Glycine max-Linn)

1. Yield gap analysis:

Soybean is cultivated over an area of 11.00 million ha and the production is 11.53 million
tonnes registering a productivity of 10.45 q/ha (QE 2015-16) under Vertitsol in the rainfed
ecosystem in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and
Telangana. There persist wide variations in the productivity ranging from 9.5 q/ha in
Karnataka and Chhattisgarh to 14.8 q/ha in Telangana, primarily due to farm level
inefficiencies. Dual problems of moisture stress (drought and excess moisture in Vertisols),
non-availability of Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) equipment in adequate number, besides biotic
stresses (stem fly, rust, yellow mosaic virus ,and spodoptera), high seed rate, low SRR,
improper plant population maintenance are the major factors that limit productivity realization
as per potential.

Productivity potential of whole package technologies in Soybean (2012-13 to 2015-16)

State No. of Seed Yield SAY * % increase NAY** WAY***

FLDs in IT (kg/ha) over SAY (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
(kg/ha)

Chhattisgarh 40 1657 954 73.7 1163 2620

Gujarat 45 1665 810 105.6

Jharkhand 80 1262 931 35.6

Karnataka 380 1899 952 99.4

Madhya Pradesh 1596 1462 1110 31.7

Maharashtra 384 1972 1247 58.2

72
 State No. of Seed Yield SAY * % increase NAY** WAY***
FLDs in IT (kg/ha) over SAY (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
(kg/ha)

Manipur 45 1506 705 113.7

Punjab 60 1620 NA NA

Rajasthan 329 1550 1230 26.0

Tamil Nadu 40 1283 NA NA

Telangana 40 1995 1482 34.6

Total/Mean 3039 1595 1163 37.1

Source: DFI Committee Estimates

* State Average Yield, ** National Average Yield, *** World Average Yield

Soybean productivity ranges from 1.6 to 1.9 t/ha in general except for Jharkand, where
productivity is as low as of 1.26t/ha. The yield gap ranges from 32 per cent (Madhya Pradesh) to
114 per cent (Manipur) with an average yield gap of 37 per cent. Gujarat, Karnataka and
Chhattisgarh are important states for technology outreach to harvest greater productivity gains.

2. Sowing time:
Optimum time of sowing is from mid of June to end of June subject to availability of soil
moisture/rainfall.

3. Soil and seed bed preparation:

Soybean can be grown on wide range of soils with better performance under vertisols rich in
organic carbon. Deep ploughing once in 3 year is recommended for moisture conservation and
insect-pest management.

4. Varieties:
The selection of variety may be made on the basis of time of rainfall. Multiple varieties may
be adopted instead of single variety. Some of newly evolved varieties release during last 4
year is as under:

Year of
Name of Variety State
Notified

Chhattisgarh Soybean-1 (CG Soya-1) Chhattisgarh

2018 JS-2098 MP, UP, Raj, Gujarat, Maharashtra

Kota Soya-1 (RKS-113) Assam, WB, Jharkhand, CG, NE State

73
 DSB-23
KK, TN, Telangana, AP, Maharashtra
KS-103

MAUS-612 Maharashtra and South India

Raj Soya-24 (RVS 2002-4) MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, UP

Pant Soybean-24 (PS-1477) UP and Uttarakhand

2017 Pant Soybean-21 (PS-1480) Uttarakhand

Pant Soybean-23 (PS-1523) Uttarakhand

Raj Soya-28 (Pragya) MP

JS-2069 MP

2016 VL Soya-77 (VLS-77)

Uttarakhand
VL-Bhat-201 (VLB-201)

MP, Rajasthan, Gujarat, UP and

NRC-86 (Ahilya-6)
Maharashtra

Maharashtra, Karnataka, TN, &

KDS-344 (Phule Agrani)
Telangana
2015
DSB-21 Karnataka, TN, AP, Kerala, Maharashtra

Pusa-12 (DS-12-13) Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UK, Bihar, UP

SL-958 Punjab

5. Seed rate:
The optimum seed rate of 55-65 kg/ha with a spacing of 30-45 cm, which can be reduced with
the use of broad-bed-furrow/ridge-furrow.

6. Seed treatment:
Application of Rhizobium (400 gm per 65-75 kg seed), Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria
(PSB) and Fungicide (Thiram + Carbendazim) or Trichoderma viridi @ 8-10 g/kg of seed.

7. Inter cropping:
Inter-cropping of arhar with soybean is better for risk management and utilization of nutrients
from different soil layers.

8. Nutrient management:
Recommended dose of 25: 60: 40:30 kg / ha of N: P: K: S in north plains and application of 5
kg Zn per ha through zinc sulphate is also recommended for better yields.

74
9. Weed management:
Application of pre-emergence weedicides (Pendamethalin / Metolachlor/ Diclosulum)
followed by inter-culture operations is recommended for control of weeds.

10. Water management:

Adoption of Broad-Bed-Furrow/Ridge-Furrow systems is recommended for effective water
management. Lifesaving irrigation at pod initiation and grain filling gives better yield. Spray
of anti-transparent like KNO3 @1% or MgCO3 or Glycerol is also recommended during long
dry spell.

11. Pest and disease management:

In addition to deep summer ploughing and seed treatment, use of resistant varieties like JS
335, PK 262, NRC 12, MACS 124 against stem-fly, NRC 7, NRC 37, JS 80-21, Pusa 16, Pusa
20, Pusa 24, PS 564, PK 472 against defoliators, JS 71-05 against girdle beetle, JS 80-21, PK
1029, PK 1024, Indira Soya 9 against soybean rust, PK 262, PK 416, PK 472, PK 1042, NRC
37 against collar-rot, PK 416, PK 472, PS 564 against bacterial pustule, and PS 564, PK 1024,
PK 1029, PS 1042, PS 1092, SL 295 against yellow mosaic virus are also recommended.

12. Harvesting:
The best time of harvesting of the soybean crop is when pods turn pale-yellow, is
recommended to avoid shattering.

13. Yield:
Under rainfed condition – 1600-2000 kg/ha and under Irrigated condition – 2000-2500 kg/ha.

14. Soybean growing States:

The state wise details of Area, Production and yield during 2016-17 for major Soybean
growing states:

Area in ha, production in tonne and yield in kg/ha

Area Production
State Yield
(Lakh ha.) (lakh tonne)
Madhya Pradesh 54.01 66.49 1231

Maharashtra 38.40 45.86 1194

Rajasthan 10.55 11.32 1072

Karnataka 3.18 2.37 745

Telengana 2.77 2.38 860

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 GROUNDNUT (EDIBLE)
(Scientific Name: Arachis hypogaea)

1. Yield gap analysis:

Groundnut is primarily cultivated over an area of 5.00 million ha and the production stands at 7.00
million tonnes. The average yield levels are 14.29 q/ha (QE 2015-16) in the states of Gujarat,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Kharif is the predominant cultivation
season for oilseeds accounting for 84 per cent of the gross cropped area under oilseeds. The
productivity levels under kharif season range from a meager 5.28 q/ha in Andhra Pradesh to 20
q/ha in Tamil Nadu. Low SRR, high seed requirement, bud necrosis, leaf spot diseases, root grub,
leaf miner are important reasons for low productivity.
Groundnut productivity ranges from 1.8 to 2.8t/ha with a yield gap ranging from 3 per cent (Tamil
Nadu) to 176 per cent (Andhra Pradesh), average an yield gap of 71 per cent nationally.
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are the important states. Where yield gaps can be
bridged by focusing on technology transfer and thereby minimizing the national yield gap
average.

Productivity potential of whole package technologies in Groundnut (2012-13 to 2015-16)

State No. of Seed Yield SAY* % increase NAY** WAY***

FLDs in IT (kg/ha) over SAY (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
(kg/ha)
Andhra Pradesh 65 1836 666 175.7
Gujarat 60 2158 1842 17.2
Karnataka 70 1765 786 124.5
Maharashtra 225 2402 1188 102.2
1418 1648
Rajasthan 54 2857 1889 51.2
Tamil Nadu 185 2152 2095 2.7
West Bengal 28 2397 2233 7.3
Total/Mean 627 2420 1418 70.7
Source: DFI Committee Estimates
* State Average Yield, ** National Average Yield, *** World Average Yield

76
 2. Sowing time:
Kharif-groundnut- June to July subject to onset of monsoon, Rabi groundnut-November
and Summer groundnut-February-March.
3. Soil:
The crop can be grown with a minimum rainfall of 500 mm and maximum of 1250 mm.
Sandy-loam soils rich in organic matter is considered as best.

4. Varieties:
The selection of variety may be made on the basis of time of rainfall. Multiple varieties
may be adopted instead of single variety. Some of newly evolved varieties release during
last 4 year is as under:

Year of
Name of Variety State
Notified
Phule Warna (KDG-128) TN, Andhra P, Kar. Maha. Guj. Raj.
Phule Morna (KDG-123) TN, Andhra P, Kar. Maha. Guj. Raj.WB,
2018 OD,Jkhand, Manipur
GJG-32, (ICGV-03043) TN, Andhra P, Kar. Maha. Tel.
GJG-33 Andhra P, TN, Telanagana
Central Groundnut ALG-06-320 (ALG-
TN, Andhra Pradesh
06-320)
2017
Kadiri Amaravathi (K-1535) Andhra Pradesh
VRI-8(VG-09220) Tamil Nadu
GJG-19 Odisha, WB, Jharkhand, Manipur
GKVK-5 Karnataka
KCG-6 Karnataka
Central groundnut Rajmungfali-3 (RG- Rajasthan, UP, Punjab
2016
559-3)
Phule Warna (KDG-128) Maharashtra, AP, Karnataka, TN
Phule Morna (KDG-123) Gujarat, Rajasthan
KCG-6 Karnataka
Gujarat Junagadh Groundnut-18 (JSP- Odish, West Bengal, Jharkhand and
49) Manipur
G-2-52 Karnataka
2015 Raj Mungfali-2 (RG-578) Odish, West Bengal and Manipur
Phule Bharti (JL-776) Maharashtra, MP
G-2-52 Karnataka
CO-7 Tamil Nadu

5. Seed rate:
100-110 kg seed/ha with 30x10 and a plant population of 3.33 lakh per ha for bunch
type groundnut varieties and 95-100 kg seed per ha for spreading and semi- spreading
varieties with a spacing of 45 x 10 cms and a plant population of 2.22 lakh per ha.

77
6. Seed treatment:
Thiram/Mancozeb (3g/kg of kernel) or Carbendazim (2g/kg)

7. Method of sowing:
Line / criss-cross sowing on flat beds, sowing on BBF/RF

8. Inter cropping:
Inter-cropping of arhar with groundnut for risk management under drought prone areas

9. Nutrient management:
For every one tonne of pod yield and two tonne of haulm yield, groundnut crop removes
60 kg Nitrogen, 11 kg Phosporous, 46 kg Potacium, 27 kg Calcium and 14 kg
Magnisium from the soil. Use of NPK and micro-nutrients as per Soil- Health Card.

10. Weed management:

Two hand weeding, first around 20 days after sowing and second at about 35 days after
sowing. Use of herbicides Pendimethalin, Oxyfluorfe, Quizalofop ethyl and Imazethapyr
as per recommended dozes

11. Water management:

Rainfall/protective irrigation is necessary at flowering (20-40 DAS), pod formation (40-
70 DAS) and pod filling (70-100 DAS), Sprinkler irrigation is ideal for the crop grown
under sandy soils. Use of Broad-Bed-Furrow / Ridge and Furrow system for effective
water / moister management. Drip irrigation is becoming popular among groundnut
growers as it increases crop yield by 25-40% besides improving seed quality and saves
up to 40-50% irrigation water compared to flood irrigation.

12. Pest and disease management:

a. White grub, aphids, thrips, caterpillars, tikka leaf spot, collar rot and bud necrosis are
the major insect pest and diseases in groundnut.
b. Growing of resistant varieties like, BR 2, ICGV 87160, ICGV 86031, ICGV 86699
against leaf mine;r ICGV 86590 against Spodoptera; BG 2, Girnar 1 against aphids;
Girnar 1, Co-1, Dh-3-30, ICGS 11, MH 1, POL 2, S 206 against leafhoppers and
Girnar 1 against thrips.
c. Spray neem oil @5ml/lt water alongwith suitable surfactant like soap powder @ 1g/lt
or NSKE 5% as it acts as oviposition deterrent.
d. Release of Trichogramma chilonis @ 50000/ha, two times at 7-10 days interval
followed by release of Bracon hebetor @ 5000/ha two times at 7-10 days against
Leaf Miner and Defoliators.
e. Install pheromone traps @ 10 traps/ha for Spodoptera and Helicoverpa and 25
traps/ha for leaf miner.
f. Erect bird perches @ 10-12/ha.
g. Soil application of neem cake or castor cake @ 500kg/ha or neem seed kernel powder
@ 3-5%.
h. Seed treatment with commercial formulation of Trichoderma harzianum or T. viride
or Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10g/kg seed or Thiram or Carbendazim or Captan or
Mancozeb @ 3-4g/kg seed or Tebuconazole (Raxil 2 % DS) @ 1.25g/kg.

78
 i. Foliar application of Carbendazim (0.025%) + Mancozeb (0.2%) at 2-3 weeks
interval, 2 or 3 alternate spray of Mancozeb (0.2 %), Carbendazim (0.02 %) and
Mancozeb (0.2 %) or three sprays of Chlorothalonil (0.2 %) or Hexaconazole (0.005
%) or Difenoconazole 25% EC @ 2ml/L at 30, 50 and 70 DAS effectively reduces
the early leaf spot and late leaf spot severity.
j. Spray Mancozeb (0.2 %) or Copper Oxychloride (0.2 %) and destroy the collateral
weeds and self-sown plants.

13. Harvesting:
Pods with prominent veins, dark coloured inside of the shells and the kernels are the
indicatives maturity of crop.

14. Yield
a. Rainfed- 1000-1250 Kg/ha
b. Irrigated (Rabi/Summer) – 2000 -3500 Kg/ha

79
 RAPESEED-MUSTARD (EDIBLE)
(Scientific Name: Brassicas sp.)

1. Yield gap analysis:

The Rapeseed-Mustard (R&M) group is confined to rabi season and is largely grown in
Rajasthan, MP, UP, Haryana, Gujarat and West Bengal. The R&M group of crops is
cultivated on 6.1 million ha producing 7.1 million tons with average yield levels of 11.70 q/ha
for the QE 2015-16. The productivity varies from 3.0 q/ha in Maharashtra to 10.0 q/ha in West
Bengal to 12.87 q/ha in Punjab. Around 50 per cent of the area receives minimal irrigation
during the crop growth stage, while the remaining 50 per cent depends upon residual moisture
conditions, and hence there are variations in the productivity across regions. Mustard saw fly,
aphids, thrips, powdery mildew and rust are major biotic stresses.

Productivity potential of whole package technologies in Rapeseed – Mustard (2012-13 to

2015-16)
State No. of Seed Yield SAY* % increase NAY** WAY***
FLDs in IT (kg/ha) over SAY (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
(kg/ha)
Assam 30 1203 607 98.2
Bihar 47 2391 1105 116.4
Himachal Pradesh 61 1193 541 120.5
Jammu & Kashmir 87 1273 833 52.8
Jharkhand 30 1021 672 51.9
Madhya Pradesh 20 2245 1110 102.3
Maharashtra 20 665 300 121.7 1170 1958
Punjab 125 1866 1287 45.0
Rajasthan 209 1878 1225 53.3
Uttar Pradesh 100 1826 1127 62.0
Uttarakhand 34 1597 816 95.7
West Bengal 21 1400 1027 36.3
Total/Mean 784 1675 1170 43.2
Source: DFI Committee Estimates

* State Average Yield, ** National Average Yield, *** World Average Yield

80
 By adopting improved technology, the productivity of Rapeseed – Mustard can be raised to
1.0 to 2.4t/ha in general. Maharashtra with lowest productivity of 665kg/ha may defy this
hope. However, the yield gap ranges from 45 per cent (Punjab) to 122 per cent (Maharashtra)
with an average yield gap of 43 per cent. Bihar, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, MP and
Uttarakhand are important states for technological intervention to improve mustard yield
significantly.

2. Sowing time:
An average day and night temperature of 250 C is considered optimum for sowing. From
August end to first half of September is best for sowing of toria, 25th September to 15th
October for sarson, 30th September to 15th October for mustard.

3. Soil:
The crop requires longer cool temperature. Mustard could be successfully grown under wide
range of soils including saline/alkaline, low irrigated and paddy fallows in Eastern India.

4. Varieties:
The selection of variety may be made on the basis of time of rainfall. Multiple varieties may
be adopted instead of single variety. Some of newly evolved varieties release during last 4
year is as under:

Year of
Name of Variety State
Notified
Pusa Double Zero Mustard-31 (PDZ-1) Har. Pub. Del. J&K. Rajashthan
2018 RH-725 Jammu, Pub. Har. Del. Raj.
CS-60 (CS2800-1-2-3-5-1) Har. Pub. UP, Rajashthan
CS-58 (CS-1100-1-2-2-3) Har, Punjab, UP
Pant Rai-21 (PRB-2008-5) Uttarakhand
Raj, Har, Pub, UP, Guj, Del, UK,
Jobner Tara (RTM-1351)
Maharashtra
Pand Hill Toria- 1 (PT-2006-4) Uttarakhand
2017
Pant Toria-508 (PTE-2008-2) Uttarakhand
Pant Sweta (PYS 2007-10) Uttarakhand
Uttra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Har,
Jwala Tara (RTM-1355))
Pub,Guj, Delhi and Rajasthan
Raj Vijay Toria-1 MP
RLC-2 (IC-S-11615) Punjab
PBR-378 Punjab
JK Samriddhi (JKMS-2) UP
2016 JK Pukhraj (JKYS-2) UP
Raj Vijay Mustard-1 MP
Gujarat Dantiwada Mustard-5 (GDM-5)
Punjab, Haryana, J&K, Delhi, Raj
(SKM-518)

81
 Bayer Mustard-5450 UP
RLC-3 Punjab
TORIA TL-17 Punjab
BJC-1 (PC-6) Punjab
Gobhi Sarson (RSPN-25) J&K
Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, UP
RGN-298
and Jammu & Kashmir
GM-3 (Gujarat Mustard-3) Gujarat
Toria Sushree Odisha
2015
Gujarat Dantiwada Mustard-4 Gujarat
Albeli-1 Rajasthan, UP, MP, UK
GSC-7 (GSC-101) Punjab, Haryana, HP, J&K, Raj.
Pant Rai-20 Uttarakhand
PBR-357 Punjab, HR, Delhi, J&K & Rajasthan

5. Seed rate:
The normal seed rate used for sowing of R&M is 4-5 kg/ha.

6. Seed treatment:
Seed treatment with Apron SD 35 @ 6 g/kg of seed is advised for White Rust and Downy
Mildew endemic areas. For other seedling diseases, seed treatment with Carbendazim,
Thiram or Captan @ 2 g/kg of seed is recommended.

7. Method of sowing:
Line sowing with row-to-row distance of 30 cm and plant-to-plant distance of 10-15 cm.
Use of ridge-furrow technique is beneficial in saline areas. Thinning is necessary after three
weeks of sowing for maintaining optimum plant population.

8. Nutrient management:
Integrated nutrient management with 40 kg N per ha for rainfed situations and 40-80 kg of
N per ha under irrigated situations is recommended.

9. Weed management:
Clean cultivation with regular weeding is recommended.

10. Water management:

a. Two irrigation for mustard one at 20-30 days after sowing (DAS) and another at
siliqua formation stage (50-60 DAS).
b. Use of ridge & furrow technique is beneficial in saline area and for moisture
conservation.

82
11. Pest and diseases management:
a. Aphid, painted bug, alternaria, white rust and powdery mildew are the major insect/
pest of rapeseed-mustard crop.
b. Seed treatment with Carbedazim 0.1% or Thiophanate Methyl against seedling
diseases and imidacloprid @ 5g/kg of seeds.
c. Use of ridomil MZ 72 WP @ 3g/l for control of white rust and spray of Mancozeb
50 WP @ 2g/l needs to be taken up at 50 and 70 days after sowing for control of
alternaria.
d. Dusting of Sulphur @ 1.5 kg/ha or spraying of Sulfex 2 g/l for powderymildew
e. Spray of systemic insecticides viz. Monocrotophos, Oxydemeton Methyl etc., for
control of aphid.

12. Harvesting:
Harvesting as soon as the crop begins to turn yellow, threshing mechanically and storing at
the moisture content of less than 8% is suggested.

13. Yield:
a. Rainfed condition – 800-1500 kg/ha
b. Irrigated condition – 2000-2500 kg/ha

83
 SESAME (EDIBLE)
(Scientific Name: Sesamum indicum)

1. Yield gap analysis:

Sesame is cultivated chiefly during kharif in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
and during rabi/summer in West Bengal. The crop spans across an area of 1.8 million ha with
production of 0.78 million tonnes, and yield level of 4.33 q/ha (QE 2015-16). This crop is
confined to marginal environment under the small holders-agriculture. The inter-state productivity
levels range from 1.9 q/ha in Uttar Pradesh to 5.12 q/ha in Madhya Pradesh during kharif season.
The crop productivity is affected by drought, broadcast system of sowing, improper plant
population, Phyllody, powdery mildew and Antigastra (major insect pest).

Productivity potential of whole package technologies in Sesame (2012-13 to 2015-16)

State No. of Seed Yield in SAY* % increase NAY** WAY***

FLDs IT (kg/ha) (kg/ha) over SAY (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
Karnataka 72 483 538 -10.3
Kerala 20 553 381 45.1 431 518
Madhya Pradesh 80 574 512 12.2
Maharashtra 111 458 305 50.0
Punjab 65 592 358 65.4
Rajasthan 28 446 321 38.9
Uttar Pradesh 112 559 190 194.2
Total/Mean 488 525 431 21.8
Source: DFI Committee Estimates

* State Average Yield, ** National Average Yield, *** World Average Yield

Sesame productivity averages around 500kg/ha with the average yield gap ranging from 12 to
65 per cent and an average yield gap of 22 per cent. Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan,
Gujarat, West Bengal, UP & MP are important states for increasing sesame productivity
through technological interventions.

84
2. Sowing time:
Sesame is considered as a contingency crop and could be sown upto mid of August under
delayed rainfalls during Kharif season. Rabi crops could be sown from Sep-Nov and
Summer crop, which has largest area in WB is sown in Feb/March.

3. Climate and soil:

The crop is grown in the plains and also at elevation up to 1200 m. It is grown in sandy-
loam to heavy black soils.

4. Varieties:
The selection of variety may be made on the basis of time of rainfall. Multiple varieties may
be adopted instead of single variety. Some of newly evolved varieties release during last 4
year is as under:

Year of
Name of Variety State
Notified
2018 VRI-3 Tamil Nadu
LT-8 (Punjab Til -No. 2) Punjab
2016
Gujarat Junagadh Til-5 (GJT-5) Gujarat
SMARAK (OSC-560) Odisha
SUBHRA (osc-207) Odisha
2015
PKV-NT-11 (NT-11-91) Maharashtra
DS-5 Karnataka
Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal
2013 HT-9713 (HT-2)
Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi
JLT-408 (JLS-9848-2) Maharashtra
2012 GUJARAT TIL-4 (GTIL-4) (AT-159) Gujarat
DSS-9 Karnataka
Rajasthan, Uttra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
2011 Rajasthan Til 351 (RT-351) Gujarat, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh,
Punjab, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir

5. Seed treatment:
For the prevention of seed borne diseases, seed may be treated with Bavistin @ 2 g/kg seed.
Seed may be soaked for 30 minutes in 0.025% solution of Agrimycin-100 prior to seeding
in the area of bacterial leaf sport disease.

6. Seed rate:
A seed rate of 5 kg/ha is adequate to achieve the required plant population. In order to
facilitate easy seeding and even distribution increase the bulk by mixing the seed with either
sand or dry soil or well sieved farm yard manure in 1:20 ratio.

7. Spacing:
22.5 to 45 cm spacing between rows and 10 to 22.5 cm between plants in the row

85
8. Method of sowing:
Seed drills may be used for sowing in rows.

9. Nutrient Management:
may be used as per soil health card. In areas deficient in sulphur, application of 15-30 kg
S/ha is recommended at the time of sowing.

10. Weed Management:

The crop is most sensitive to weed competition during the first 20- 25 days. Two weeding,
one after 15-20 days and 30-35 days after sowing are suggested

11. Water Management:

Irrigation at flower initiation and capsule formation is essential.

12. Pest and Diseases Management:

Use of resistant varieties is the most economic method of reducing the losses by pest and
disease attack.

13. Harvesting:
Crop should be harvested when leaves turn yellow and start dropping while the capsules are
still greenish-yellow.

14. Yield:
a. Kharif – 375-500 kg/ha
b. Rabi – 500-750 kg/ha
c. Rainfed condition – 500-600 kg/ha
d. Irrigated (Rabi/summer) – 900-1000 kg/ha

86
 SUNFLOWER (EDIBLE)
(Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus)

1. Yield gap analysis:

Sunflower cultivation is concentrated in the States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Telangana and Odisha. It is cultivated over an area of 0.66 million ha and the
production is 0.46 million tonnes with corresponding yield levels of 7.00 q/ha during
kharif (34% area) and rabi (66% area) for the QE 2015-16. Spring sunflower in Indo
Gangetic Plains (IGP) of Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and Bihar record
highest productivity of 1.8t/ha. In kharif, droughts of various degrees at all stages of crop
especially at seed filling stage in Alfisols, and additionally water logging in Vertisols are
the main reason(s) for low productivity. Further, inadequate and imbalanced nutrition, not
practising thinning to create optimal population spread, severe bird damage when grown in
isolated pockets; SND, Alternaria and powdery mildew diseases; and whitefly, jassids &
head borer are major biotic stresses.

Productivity potential of whole package technologies in Sunflower (2012-13 to 2015-16)

State No. of Seed Yield in SAY* % NAY** WAY***

FLDs IT (kg/ha) (kg/ha) increase (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
over SAY
Andhra Pradesh 138 2215 708 213 706 1669
Bihar 18 1483 1433 3
Haryana 40 2489 2056 21

86
 Karnataka 178 2400 577 316
Maharashtra 186 1134 546 108
Punjab 153 2009 1781 13
Tamil Nadu 85 1987 1486 34
West Bengal 245 1540 1324 16
Uttarkhand 40 1564 NA NA
Total/Mean 1083 1834 706 160
Source: DFI Committee Estimates

* State Average Yield, ** National Average Yield, *** World Average Yield

Productivity of sunflower ranges from 1.1 to 2.5t/ha under conditions of improved

technologies of frontline demonstrations. Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh
record lowest productivity and account for highest yield gap of 160 per cent.

2. Climate and soil:

Sunflower can be cultivated in all the seasons but perform better during Rabi or
spring/early summer. It performs well in deep, neutral and well-drained light as
well as heavy soils.

3. Sowing time:
Sowing time should be so planned that the flowering and seed filling stages of the
crop do not coincide with continuous rainy period or high temperatures above 38°C.

4. Varieties:
The selection of variety may be made on the basis of time of rainfall. Multiple
varieties may be adopted instead of single variety. Some of newly evolved varieties
release during last 4 year is as under:

Year of
Name of Variety State
Notified

2018 DSFH-3 Karnataka (Rabi Season)

Prabhat (Hybrid NDSH-1012) Andhra Pradesh

2017 Kaveri Champ Pub, Har, Bih, WB, Odisha

PDKVSH-952 (Hy) Maharashtra

PhuleBhaskar (SS-0808) Maharashtra

2016 PSH-1962 (Hybrid) Punjab

RSFH-1887 (Hy) Karnataka

PSH-996 (Hy) Punjab

2015
Sunlight (NSFS-1001) Maharashtra, Karnataka, AP, TN

2013 OLISUN-3794 (PAC-3794) Maharashtra, TN, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

87
 CO-2 Tamil Nadu

2012 RSFH-130 (BHADRA) Karnataka

RSFV-901 (KANTHI) Karnataka

5. Seed treatment:
Seed should be treated with Thiram or Captan @ 2-3 g/kg of seed to protect from
seed-borne diseases. Seed treatment with Metalaxyl @ 6 g/kg can protect the crop
against downy mildew disease. Treat the seed with imidacloprid @ 5 g/kg before
sowing against insect vectors for the necrosis management.

6. Seed rate:
A seed rate of 5 kg/ha is adequate to achieve required plant population of 55,000/ha
under heavy soil and 74,000/ha under light soils. Maintenance of optimum population
by judicious thinning at 10-15 days after germination to retain single healthy plant per
hill is essential for obtaining optimum yields.
7. Spacing:
The optimum spacing is 60 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants which can
accommodate 55555 plants/ha. For short duration and dwarf varieties, 45 cn x 30 cm
spacing may be followed.

8. Nutrient management:
 Sunflower is an exhaustive crop and for every tonne crop removes as much as 63.3
kg nitrogen, 19.1 kg phosphorous, 126.2 kg potassium, 11.7 kg sulphur, 68.3 kg
calcium, 26.7 kg magnesium, 47g zinc and 1075 g iron. Application of nutrient may
be decided as per soil health card.
 Boron is the most important for sunflower. Providing directly spray of borax (0.2%
i.e. 2 g/l of water) to capitulum at ray floret opening stage increases seed filling, yield
and oil content.
 Sulphur is emerging as fourth major nutrients especially for oilseeds due to its
involvement in oil synthesis. Sunflower has been found responsive to direct and
residual sulphur fertilisation.
 Seed treatment with Azospirillum and/or Azotobacter can save 50% recommended
nitrogen fertilizers. Similarly, use of PSB in sunflower – sorghum cropping system
can meet 50% of phosphorous requirement of sorghum (30kg P2O5/ha).

9. Weed management:
Two hoeings followed by one hand weeding at an interval of 15 days commencing
from 15-20 DAS. Use of alachlor or pendimethalin or fluchloralin at the rate of 1.0
kg a.i./ha in 600 litres of water as pre-emergence spray followed by one hand weeding
and inter-culture at 35 DAS provide effective control of weeds.

10. Water management:

Protective Irrigation is essential at three critical stages of bud initiation, flower
opening and seed filling.

88
11. Pest and diseases management:
 Cut worm – sow the seeds on ridges
 Capitulum borer – Spray Decametrhrin (0.002%) or Cypermetrhin (0.005%)
 Foliage pests – Spray Dichlorvos (0.05%) or Fenitrothion (0.05%)
 Sucking pests:- Spray Phosphamidon (0.03%)

12. Harvesting:
Sunflower can be harvested at physiological maturity when the back of the head
turns to lemon yellow colour and the bottom leaves start drying and withering.

13. Yield
 Rainfed condition – 1000-1500 kg/ha
 Irrigated condition – 2000-2500 kg/ha
14. Role of Honey Bees:
Honey bees play a very important role in increasing seed set in sunflower.
Maintaining 5 hives/ha provides optimum requirement, besides yielding valuable
honey. Avoid spray of insecticide at the blooming period as it affects the visit of
pollinators (bees).

89
 SAFFLOWER (EDIBLE)
(Scientific Name: Carthamus tinctorius)

1. Yield gap analysis:

Safflower is confined to residual moisture conditions during rabi season under
Vertisols over an area of 0.18 million ha with production of 0.10 million tonnes and
yield levels of 5.58 q/ha (QE 2015-16) in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and
Telangana. It is also cultivated to a limited extent in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and
Madhya Pradesh. Uncertain kharif rainfall and inadequate profile soil moisture limit
its productivity, affected by poor seed filling. Inadequate crop nutrition, Aphid and
Alternaria are major abiotic and biotic stresses.

Productivity potential of whole package technologies in Safflower (2012-13 to 2015-16)

State No. Seed Yield SAY* % NAY** WAY***

of in IT (kg/ha) increase (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
FLDs (kg/ha) over SAY

Karnataka 361 1061 735 44.3 590 859

Maharashtra 516 1074 515 108.5

Telangana 120 1183 732 61.7

Uttar Pradesh 137 1139 NA NA

Total/Mean 1223 1067 590 80.8

Source: DFI Committee Estimates

90
* State Average Yield, ** National Average Yield, *** World Average Yield

Productivity of safflower ranges around 1.0 t/ha in general under improved technology
demonstrations with an average yield gap of 81 per cent. Maharashtra, Telangana and
Karnataka are important states for technology transfer to gain higher yields.

2. Climate and soil:

Safflower comes up better in relatively drier areas. It requires fairly deep, moisture
retentive and well drained soils. The crop is fairly tolerant to saline condition and
grows well under residual moisture in paddy fallows.

3. Sowing time:
Depending upon the availability of conserved/ residual moisture/late Kharif rains crop
could be sown from late September to mid of November

4. Varieties:
The selection of variety may be made on the basis of time of rainfall. Multiple
varieties may be adopted instead of single variety. Some of newly evolved varieties
release during last 4 year is as under:

Year of
Notifie Name of Variety State
d

NARI-96 Maha, Tel, MP, CG, Raj., and AP

2018 Saffower growing areas of India for both
DSH-185
rainfed and irrigateed situations.

Maharashtra, Karnataka MP, Rajasthan, Punjab,

2015 NARI-57
UP, Jharkhand and WB

Maharashtra, Karnataka, MP, Chhattisgarh,

2014 NARI-H-23
Raj., and WB

2013 PKV PINK (AKS-311) Maharashtra

2012 SSF-708 Maharashtra

5. Seed treatment:
Seeds should be treated with Thiram, Captan or Carbendizim @ 3 g/kg seed before
sowing.

6. Seed rate:
Seed Rate of 7.5 kg to 20 kg / ha is used depending upon soil conditions.

7. Spacing:
30cm x 15 cm or 45cm x 20 cm.

8. Method of sowing:
Follow line sowing using improved seed drills or fertilizer-cum-seed drills.

91
9. Nutrient management:
Application of fertilizers may be made as per soil health card.

10. Weed management:

Normally, weeds do not pose any serious problem in safflower except when frequent
rains are received during initial phase of crop growth or when land preparation and
tillage are not proper. Timely weeding and interculture during rosette stage is crucial
for arresting weeding and obtain full benefits.

11. Water management:

By providing just one life saving irrigation at critical stages of crop growth (early
stem elongation or flowering) yield can be boosted by 40 to 60%.

12. Pest and diseases Management:-

 Safflower is affected by a number of insect pests and diseases. However, aphid is a
major problem under late sown conditions.
 Spray Dimethoate (0.05%) or Methyl Parathion (0.05%) or Monocrotophos
(0.05%) or Chlorpyriphos or Endosulfan (0.05%) or alternatively dust Quinalphos
(1.5%) or Methyl parathion (2. 5%) or Malathion (5%) or Endosulfan (4%) at 40
and 60 DAS.
 Use 500 litres of spray mixture and 20 kg dust formulation/ha.
 Spray Mancozeb (0.25%) immediately after disease is noticed and repeat the
spray 15 days later depending on the intensity of Alternaria leaf spot.

13. Harvesting:
The crop is ready for harvest when the leaves and most of the bracteoles become
dry and brown. Hand gloves may be used to protect legs and hands against spines.
Effect of spines could also be minimized by harvesting of crop before rising of sun.
Multi-crop threshers and combine harvester could be used for harvesting and
threshing.

14. Yield:
 Scanty moisture condition – 800 – 1200 kg/ha
 Favourable moisture condition - 1500 – 2000 kg/ha
 Minimal irrigation – 2000 – 2800 kg/h

92
 NIGER (EDIBLE)
(Scientific Name: Guizotia abyssinica)

1. Yield gap analysis:

Niger is cultivated during kharif season over an area of 0.29 million ha with
production of 0.09 million tonnes and productivity level of 3.0 q/ha. It is cultivated
in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
There are wide productivity differentials across the states due to socio-economic
and agro-ecological situations (tribal dominated crop production in Eastern
Highland Zone of Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh), and predominantly
under marginal conditions of small-holder agriculture. Drought, broadcast sowing,
improper plant population, low input management, cuscuta, lodging due to high
wind and rain are the causes of low productivity.

Productivity potential of whole package technologies in Niger (2012-13 to 2015-16)

State No. Seed SAY* % NAY** WAY***

of Yield (kg/ha) increase (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
FLDs in IT over
(kg/ha) SAY
Bihar 60 441 NA NA 305 327
Jharkhand 69 419 394 6.4

93
 Karnataka 38 450 296 52.2
Madhya Pradesh 95 505 273 84.8
Maharashtra 95 372 286 30.0
Total/Mean 410 427 305 39.9
Source: DFI Committee Estimates

* State Average Yield, ** National Average Yield, *** World Average Yield

Niger productivity averages around 400kg/ha with yield gap ranging from 30 to 85 per
cent and average at 40 per cent. Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra are
important states for increasing niger productivity through technological interventions.

2. Soil:
Niger could be raised in wide range of soils from clay loam to sandy loam, sandy
and gravel soil. It can withstand slight alkalinity and salinity also.

3. Sowing time:
Primarily, Niger is a Kharif crop, but mostly sown in late July/ August.

4. Varieties:
The selection of variety may be made on the basis of time of rainfall. Multiple varieties
may be adopted instead of single variety. Some of newly evolved varieties release
during last 4 year is as under:

Year of
Name of Variety State
Notified

Jawhar Niger Selection 28 (JNS-28) All India

2017
GNNIG-3 Gujarat

JNS-30 MP
2016
IGPN-8004 Maharashtra

2014 DNS-4 Karanataka

2011 UTKAL, NIGER-150 (ONS-150) Odisha

PHULE KARALA (IGPN2004-1) Whole of India

2010
BIRSA NIGER-3 (BNS-11) Whole of India

5. Seed treatment:
Seed should be treated with Thiram or Captan 3.0 g/kg seed before sowing. Seed
treatment with Phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) 10 g/kg seed gives higher yield.

94
6. Seed rate:
Normally 5 kg/ha seed is required for the sole crop. Line sowing has been found
beneficial with spacing of 30cm x 10cm.

7. Method of sowing:
The crop is largely sown by broadcasting. Seeds are mixed with sand/ powdered FYM/
ash to increase the bulk, 20 times to ensure even distribution of seed.

8. Nutrient management:
The crop is mostly grown on marginal and sub-marginal land without manure or
fertilizer application. However, application of recommended N through urea + seed
treatment with PSB 10 g/kg seed enhances yield significantly. Application of sulphur
(20-30 kg/ha) increases seed yield and oil content in niger.

9. Weed management:
a. First weeding is needed 15-20 days after sowing. In Orissa, Cuscuta
(Cuscuta hyalina/ C. chinensis) infestation has become a major problem.
Seed should be obtained from Cuscuta free areas. Cuscuta seeds could be
separated with a 1 mm sieve.
b. Pre sowing soil application of Fluchloralin (1 kg a.i./ha). or Pre emergence
application of Pendimethalin (1.5 kg a.i./ha).

10. Water management:

It is invariably grown in the rainy season and it is seldom irrigated. There are
indications that niger yields can be doubled under irrigation, it the crop suffers from
moisture stress. Irrigation may be given at the seedling stage.

11. Pest and diseases management:

Niger is generally not menaced by any major insects ot diseases.

12. Harvesting:
Niger usually matures in 95-105 days after sowing. The crop should be harvested
when the leaves dry up and the capitula turn brownish / blackish in colour.

13. Yield:-
a. Pure crop – 400-500 kg/ha
b. Intercrop – 150-300 kg/ha

95
 CASTOR (NON EDIBLE)
(Scientific Name: Ricinus communis)

1. Yield gap analysis:

Castor is cultivated under irrigated eco-systems of Gujarat and Rajasthan; and under
harsh rainfed conditions in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The crop is
cultivated over an area of 1.18 million ha with production of 1.92 million tonnes and
productivity of 16.0 q/ha (QE 2015-16). The average productivity under rainfed
conditions is around 5.42 q/ha, while under irrigated eco-system, it is 17.45 q/ha. In the
states of Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where it is cultivated in kharif season.
The reasons for low productivity are: pests (botrytis, spodopteras, semiloper & whitefly)
and diseases (botrytis, wilf); drought; inadequate and imbalanced nutrition, improper
plant population, etc.
Castor productivity averages around 1.6t/ha with a yield gap ranging from 20 to 500 per
cent and an average yield gap of 45 per cent. Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana,
Karnataka and Maharashtra are important states for increasing castor productivity and
production through technological interventions.

97
 Productivity potential of whole package technologies in Castor (2012-13 to 2015-16)

State No. of Seed Yield SAY* % NAY** WAY***

FLDs in IT (kg/ha) increase (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
(kg/ha) over SAY

Andhra Pradesh 40 1109 429 159

Gujarat 171 2999 2029 48

Haryana 117 3425 1133 202

Madhya Pradesh 20 2609 459 468

Karnataka 90 766 786 -3

Orissa 55 767 633 21 1604 1345

Rajasthan 215 3927 1460 169

Tamil Nadu 157 1897 311 510

Telangana 430 1740 538 223

Uttar Pradesh 45 2014 NA NA

Total/Mean 1371 2320 1604 45

Source: DFI Committee Estimates

* State Average Yield, ** National Average Yield, *** World Average Yield

2. Climate and soil:

Castor is tolerant to drought and grows well in relatively dry and warm regions. The
crop comes up well on almost all types of well drained soil, but generally grown on red
sandy loams in peninsular India and light alluvial soils in northern states.

3. Sowing time:
Normally, rainfed crop is sown subject to receipt of monsoon and irrigated crop which
is largely hybrid is sown late upto end of August. Purchase of hybrid seeds every year
and renewal of seed stock of improved varieties once in 4-5 years.

4. Varieties:
The selection of variety may be made on the basis of time of rainfall. Multiple varieties
may be adopted instead of single variety. Some of newly evolved varieties release
during last 4 year is as under:

98
 Year of
Name of Variety State
Notified

YRCH-2 (YRCH-1116) Tamil Nadu

2018
GCH-8 (SHB-896) All castor growing State of India

2017 Castor Hybrid GNCH-1 Gujarat

2016 HCH-6 Karnataka

2012 DSP-222 (DSP-222) Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana

2011 DCS-107 Across the country

K-8501 (CHANDRA
Whole of India
2010 PRABHA)

YRCH-1 Whole of India

5. Seed treatment:
Seeds treatment with Thiram or Captan @ 3g/kg seed or Carbendazim 2 g/kg to protect
plants from seed borne diseases like Alternaria Leaf Blight, Seedling Blight and Wilt.
Treat the seed with Trichoderma viride @ 10 g/kg seed and soil application of 2.5 kg
incubated in 125 kg FYM/ha for managing wilt.

6. Seed rate:
Plant population of 18,500/ha and 14,000/ha was found to be optimum for rainfed and
irrigated areas respectively with 5 kg seeds/ha.

7. Spacing:
Square planting at 75 cm x 75 cm for rainfed areas and 90 cm x 90 cm for irrigated
area.

8. Method of sowing:
Castor is generally sown behind the country plough in Andhra Pradesh. Seed-cum-
fertilizer drill can also be used.

9. Nutrient management:
Castor crop with an yield of 10 qtl./ha removes 40 kg N, 9 kg P205 and 16 kg K20/ha
under rainfed conditions, whereas, an irrigated crop with an yield of 22.8 q/ha removes
84 kg N, 26 kg P205 and 31 kg K20/ha. Application of fertilizer may be decided as per
soil health card.

10. Weed management:

Two or three weedings at intervals of 15-20 days in order to keep weeds under check.
Alternatively preplant application of herbicides such as Fluchloralin or Trifluralin @
1.0 kg a.i./ha or pre-emergence application of Alachlor @ 1.25 kg a.i./ha is equally
effective under irrigation.
99
11. Water management:
For realizing the full productivity potential, the first irrigation should be applied at
around 55-75 days or around full flowering of primary spike. All hybrids/varieties
require 5-7 irrigations in sandy loam soils of Gujarat and Rajasthan for realizing the
full productivity potentials. Drip irrigation in hybrid castor saves 24% water and offers
36% higher yield.

12. Pest and diseases management:

Semilooper is a major problem in castor. Hand picking of older larvae during early
stages of crop growth. Manipulate parasitic activity by avoiding chemical spray, when
1-2 larval parasites are observed on castor plant. Spray of Monocrotophos (0.05%),
Endosulfan (0.07%), if 4-5 semiloopers/ plant are observed with more than 25%
defoliation.

13. Harvesting:
Physiological maturity in castor is attained when some of the capsules in a spike turn
brown in colour.

14. Yield:-
a. Rainfed condition – 800-1000 kg/ha
b. Irrigated condition – 1500-2500 kg/ha

100
 LINSEED (NON-EDIBLE)
(Scientific Name: Linum usitatissimum)

1. Yield gap analysis:

Linseed confined to rabi season in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand is considered a poor man’s crop. The crop is
cultivated over an area of 0.29 million ha with production of 0.15 million tonnes and
average yield level of 4.95 q/ha (QE 2015-16). Utera cropping, high seed rate,
inadequate plant population maintenance, inadequate nutrition, linseed bud fly are the
major limitation affecting a good yield.

Productivity potential of whole package technologies in Linseed (2012-13 to 2015-16)

State No. of Seed SAY* % increase NAY** WAY***

FLDs Yield in (kg/ha) over SAY (kg/ha) (kg/ha)
IT (kg/ha)
Assam 100 667 584 14.2
Bihar 101 1019 868 17.4
478 986
Chhattisgarh 130 610 343 77.8
Himachal Pradesh 60 744 279 166.7
Madhya Pradesh 106 1238 471 162.9
Maharashtra 120 804 257 212.7
Nagaland 123 825 806 2.4
Odisha 73 679 474 43.2
Rajasthan 111 1326 1221 8.6
Uttar Pradesh 393 987 460 114.5
West Bengal 15 381 298 27.9
Total/Mean 1352 905 478 89.4
Source: DFI Committee Estimates

* State Average Yield, ** National Average Yield, *** World Average Yield

101
 Linseed productivity ranges from 381kg/ha (West Bengal) to 1,326kg/ha (Rajasthan)
with yield gap ranging from 2.4 per cent (Nagaland) to 166 per cent (HP & MP) and a
mean yield gap of 89 per cent. The national average yield was 478kg/ha. The states of
MP, HP, UP, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra are important for technological
interventions to realise higher productivity and production.

2. Climate and soil:

Linseed is a cool season crop and requires moderate to cool temperature. It is grown
best in well drained, fertile, medium and heavy soils especially silty loam, clay
loam and silty clays. This crop is under cultivation in three ecosystems namely
utera, rainfed and irrigated. Growing linseed in utera system is the predominant
practice in Eastern States under paddy fallows.

3. Sowing time:
The crop could be sown during October to first fortnight of November depending
upon the soil moisture and irrigation facilities.

4. Varieties:
The selection of variety may be made on the basis of time of rainfall. Multiple
varieties may be adopted instead of single variety. some of new3ly evolved
varieties are as:

Year of
Name of Varity State
Notified

JLS-66 (SLS-66) Madhya Pradesh

JLS-95 (SLS-95) UP, Raj, MP (Zone-III)

Utera Alsi (RLC-143) CH, OD, MP, BH, JK, Assam

2018
Sabour Tisi-1, (BAUP-101) UP, BH, JH, WB and Assam

Varsha Alsi (RLC-148) Raj, MP, UP, OD, Maha, CG, KK

Him Palam Alsi-2 (KL-263) HP, HR, J&K

Indu (LCK-1108) UP

2017 Uma (LCK-1101) UP

Priyam (BAU-2012-1) Pub, Har, HP, Uttarakhand

JLS-79 MP

Arpita Odisha
2016
PKV-NL-260 Maharashtra

Divya (BAU-06-03) Punjab, Haryana, HP, UK

102
 Pratap Alsi-2 Rajasthan

PKV-NL-206 Maharashtra
2015
Kota Barani Alsi-3 Rajasthan

Kota Barani Alsi-4 (RL-10193) UP, MP, Rajasthan

5. Seed rate:
High seed rate ranging between 25 to 30 kg/ha is used under different situation.

6. Spacing:
A row spacing of 20-30 cm with a plant to plant spacing of 7-10 cm is ideal.

7. Method of sowing:
Drilling in prepared seed bed or by broadcasting in the standard rice crop as utera.

8. Nutrient management:
Application of fertilizer @ 40 kg N + 20kg P2O5 and 20kg/ha K2O has been found
quite beneficial in increasing yield of this crop in rainfed eco-system at various
locations. Higher doses of fertilizers are used for dual purpose (seed + fibre).

9. Weed management:
To ensure clean cultivation, cuscuta seeds should be separated before sowing. Other
weeds could be managed by post emergence application of weedicides isoproturon
@1.00kg/ha at 30-35 DAS. However, 2,4-D (Na) @0.5kg/ha may also be mixed in
the tank with Isoproturon if broad leaf weeds are also problem.

10. Water management:

Yields can be doubled with 1 or 2 irrigations given at 35 and 75 DAS. On light
soils, 3-4 irrigations may be needed. Branching, flowering and grain filling are
critical stages for irrigation.

11. Pest and diseases management:

a. Two fortnightly sprays of spinosad 45 SC (0.015%) reduces upto 78% bud fly
infestation, which enhances upto 63% seed yield.
b. Two application of neem based commercial formulation containing Azadirachtin
300 ppm reduces upto 63% bud infestation and thereby enhancement upto 40% in
seed yield.

12. Harvesting:
Crop should be harvested by sickle when the leaves are dry, the capsules have
turned brown and seeds become shiny

13. Yield:-
a. Rainfed condition – 800-1000 kg/ha
b. Irrigated condition – 1600-2000 kg/ha
c. Protective irrigated condition – 1200-1500 kg/ha

103
 OILPALM (EDIBLE)
(Scientific name: Elaeis guineensis)

1. Climatic requirements:
Oil palm is a humid crop. Requires evenly distributed rainfall of 150mm/ month or 2500-
4000mm/annum. Rainfall distribution in India is not even and adequate. Hence grow oil
palm under assured irrigation conditions by adopting recommended practices. Crop comes
up well between 29-33oC max. and 22-24oC min. temperatures and with bright sunlight for
at least 5 hrs. per day. Humidity of more than 80% is required to come up well.

2. Soils:
Best-suited soils are moist, well-drained, deep, loamy alluvial soils, rich in organic matter
with good water permeability. At least one-meter depth of soil is required. Avoid highly
alkaline, highly saline, waterlogged and coastal sandy soils.

3. Cultivated variety:
Tenera is the ruling hybrid and it is a cross between thick-shelled Dura and shell less
Pisifera. Tenera has a thin shell, medium to high mesocarp content and high oil content.

4. Planting:
Best method of season for planting is June-December i.e., during monsoon. In case of
planting during summer, adequate irrigation, mulching and growing cover crops like sun
hemp in the basin would help in avoiding hot winds during summer. 12 -14 months old
healthy seedlings with 1-1.3m height and 13 functional leaves are recommended for
planting. While planting, 143 plants per hectare should be maintained with a spacing of 9m
x 9m x 9m (triangular planting). Planting should be done in pit size of 60 cm x 60 cm x 60
cm (length, breadth and depth).

104
 5. Fertilizer Application & manure:
Apply 250g Di Ammonium Phosphate or 400g Single Super Phosphate, 50g Phorate and
mix with the soil at the base of the pit. Immediately after planting, form basin and give
copious irrigation.

a. Fertilizer management: Oil palm is a gross feeder and demands a balanced and
adequate supply of macro, secondary and micronutrients for growth and yield. It is
advised to apply fertilizers at every three months interval.
6. Fertilizer requirement of oil palm: Four equal split doses of fertilizers are to be
applied starting from June/July at three month interval. For the newly planted crop,
the first dose of fertilizer needs to be applied three months after planting. Add 50-100
kg FYM or 100kg green manure per palm along with the second dose of fertilizer
application. Five kg neem cake/palm can also be applied. Broadcast the fertilizers
around the clean-weeded basin, about 50 cm away from the palm base and
incorporate into the soil with the help of fork. Irrigate the palms immediately after
fertilizer application.

Age of Nitrogen Phosphorous Potassium Magnesium Boron

Oil Palm
Urea SSP MOP Magnesium Borax
Sulphate
(gms/palm/yr)
st
1 Yr 870 1250 670 125 25
2nd Yr 1740 2500 1340 250 50
3rd Yr 2610 3750 2000 500 100
onwards

7. Irrigation management:
Oil palm requires sufficient irrigation, as it is a fast growing crop with high productivity
and biomass production. Do not grow oil palm if assured and adequate irrigation facility is
not available. For grown up yielding palms of 3 years age and above, a minimum of 150 to
200 liters of water per day is required. However, in older plantations during hot summer
this quantity may be increased up to 300 lit.

Basin method of irrigation is to be taken up when irrigation water is not a constraint.

Required quantity of water is to be given at 4-5 days interval. Prepare irrigation channels in
such a way that the individual palms are connected separately by sub-channel. For light
soils, frequent irrigation with less water to be given. In heavy soils, irrigation interval can
be longer.Drip or Microjet irrigation method is practiced. If land is of undulated terrain,
drip or micro sprinkler irrigation can be advantageous. If drip irrigation is installed, four
drippers are to be placed for each palm. If each dripper discharges 8 liters of water per
hour, 5 hr. of irrigation per day is sufficient to discharge 160 lit/day. In case of micro
sprinklers (180o or 360o) one each on either side of the palm can be installed. Drippers/jets
should be periodically checked for proper discharge. Basins should be adequately mulched
and covered with soil, which will help to conserve moisture

105
 8. Basin management:

During first year, basins of 1-m radius, second year 2- m radius, and the third year 3- m
radius are to be taken around the palm by removing the soil from inside so that the soil will
not accumulate at the collar region. Basin area of oil palm represents its active root zone.
Hence it must be kept clean and weed free to avoid competition for nutrients and water

9. Weeding:
Take up regular weeding manually or with the use of only recommended herbicides. Use
preferably contact herbicides. Glyphosate (750ml/ha/year or 17.5 ml/basin) is
recommended for effective weed control. Herbicide mixtures of Paraquat with Atrazine,
Monuron and Diuron sprayed on ground, twice a year can control the weeds, effectively.

10. Inter-cropping:
Oil palm is a wide spaced perennial crop with a long juvenile period of 3 years. Inter and
intra row space can be used to generate income during the juvenile phase of the crop. Inter
crop selected should be compatible with the main crop and should not compete with oil
palm for light, water and nutrients. Any remunerative crop can be grown, but the most
suitable crops are vegetables, banana, flowers, tobacco, chillies, turmeric, ginger, pineapple
etc. While growing inter crops in mature oil palm gardens of 8- 12 years age or palms
attained a height of 3 meters, intercrops should be able to grow under partially shaded
conditions and should not compete with oil palm for water, sunlight and nutrients (eg.
cocoa, pepper, heliconia and ginger lilly). Do not cut the oil palm fronds. Do not tie oil
palm fronds close to the stem for inter-cropping, which will reduce photosynthetic activity.
Do not plough close to the palm base, which will cut the absorbing roots and thereby
reduce intake of water and nutrients. Maximum number of green leaves should be retained
on the palm.

11. Flowering:
Oil palm comes to flowering 14-18 months after planting. It produces both male and
female flowers separately on the same palm. Male and female phases do occur naturally in
consequent cycles in a palm.

12. Ablation:
Ablation is the removal of male and female flowers produced in the early stages of
plantation. This enables the plant to gain adequate stem girth, vigour and develop adequate
root system. Flowering starts from 14th to 18th month after planting. Start ablation
immediately after the appearance of inflorescences on the palms. They can be removed
easily by hand pulling or using the tool developed at DOPR. Ablation can be extended up
to 2-1/2 to 3 years depending upon the plant growth and vigour.

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 13. Pollination:
Oil palm is a highly cross-pollinated crop. Wind and insects assist pollination, but wind
pollination is not adequate. Effective pollinating insects like Elaeidobius kamerunicus
helps in good pollination and fruit set. Release of this weevil after 2-1/2 year of planting is
advisable. If the plants are not having good girth and vigour, release the weevils after 3
years.

14. Mulching:
Mulching is essential to conserve moisture as well as to control weeds in the oil palm
fields. Mulching can be done with dried leaves, male flowers, coconut husk, empty
bunches etc on basins of oil palm.

15. Harvesting:
While harvesting a stalk length of 5 cm alone should be left. Harvesting should be done at
10-12 days interval. During rainy season, harvesting should be done at closer interval of 6-
7 days as ripening is hastened after hot summer. In young plantations, we get more bunches
with less bunch weight and in adult plantations the bunch weight is more but the bunch
number is less.
16. Yield:
At yield stabilizing period (4-8 years): 12t/ha At
yield stabilized period (>8 years): 20t/ha

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