Field Preparation
- Two cross ploughings of 15-20 c m deep followed by harrowing and levelling
- The field should be well levelled
- Soil should be brought to fine tilth
- Weeds, plant debris and unwanted remains should be removed
- 1-1.5 meters wide sunken bed s of convenient length are prepared
- 25-30 cm wide and 10-15 cm raised interspace boundaries are made
a) Manure and Fertilizer
- Cumin requires high humus and organic matter in the soil
- NPK = 60: 30:20 Kg/ ha
- FYM/Compost 20-25 Mt
- All the basal dose of FYM/Compost, full phosphorus, full dose of potash and half dose of nitrogen should be well mixed in the soil during final land preparation
- Remaining half dose of nitrogen should be top dressed when the crop is 30-40 days old just after the first hoeing and during the second irrigation after germination
b) Sowing Time:-
- October-November (Kartik-Mansir)
c) Planting method: Drilling in rows
d) Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with 0.2% cerasan or mercurial compound
e) Seed Rate and Spacing:-
- Seed rate:-20-25 Kg/hac.
- Spacing: 20 – 25 cm X 5 – 10 cm.
- Depth of sowing : 2.5 cm-3 cm
f) Irrigation
- The crop has to be grown with moderate , well regulated irrigation
- After sowing, the beds are lightly watered with watering cans till it germinates
- Or light flood irrigation is given at an interval of 3-5 days depending up on need.
- Germination takes place after 5 days, then crop is irrigated at every 7 days for a month
- After a month of germination, the crop is irrigated after every 10 days
- If frost is likely to occur, irrigation becomes necessary and during flowering, sufficient moisture in the field is of prime importance
- Cumin can not withstand waterlogging, therefore proper drainage should be managed and there should not be any water stagnation in the field
g) Intercultural practices
- Cumin requires careful weeding and hoeing to keep the crop free from weeds and the soil loose.
- The first hoeing is done 15-20 days after seed sowing
- During the first hoeing, thinning is done and spacing is maintained at 5-10 c m
- The field should be free from weeds during the whole cropping season