Land Preparation
- Requires well pulverized and weed free land with adequate moisture.
- One deep tillage by MB plough followed by harrowing and planking ensures fine seed bed.
- Should have sufficient moisture to ensure proper germination.
Seed selection and treatment
- Select true to type, bold seeds free from inert matter with optimum viability, vigor and moisture.
- Seed treated with broad spectrum fungicides (Captan, Thiram, Carboxin) @ 2g/kg seed.
- Exogenous application of ethrel, benzyl adenine and GA3 for proper germination.
- 12 hr soaking in water and shade drying gives better results.
- Treat with Azospirillium @100g/kg seed that help in N fixation.
Sowing time
- Rainy season: Mid-June-Mid-July
- Winter season (as rainfed crop): September- Mid October
- Winter season (as irrigated crop): November
- Summer season: Mid-January-first week of February
Sowing method
- Dibbling, Drilling, Line sowing.
Spacing
A) According to crop genotype;
- For long duration hybrids: 60x30cm
- For short duration cultivars: 45x30cm
B) According to soil type;
- For light soil: 45x20cm
- For medium soil: 45x30cm
- For heavy soil: 60x30cm
Sowing depth
- 3-5cm or even 8 cm.
Seed rate
- 8-15 kg/ha depending on seed size.
- 8-10 kg/ha is sufficient to ensure good crop stand.
- Under dryland farming, Plant population should be 12,000-15,000 plants/ha.