A Study On PoP of Major Crops Grown in Haryana

Individual Project Report
“ A study on Package of Practices

of major crops grown in Haryana”
Submitted by
Manish Pal
Roll no. 1029
PGDM (ABM) 2018-20
CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM), Jaipur
Under the guidance of

Vasireddy Mani Chandana
Consultant (Agronomy)
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad
1
Declaration
This is to declare that I, Manish Pal, student of Post Graduate Diploma in Management
(Agri Business Management) 2018-20 Batch, CCS NIAM, Jaipur has given original and
authentic data and information and maintain full confidentiality to the best of my
knowledge and belief while studying and writing a dissertation report on “A study of
Package of Practices of major crops grown in Haryana.”
I declare that work presented in the report is my own except as acknowledged in the
and footnotes and that to my knowledge this material is not submitted either in whole
or in part to, for a degree or diploma at this institute any other such institution.
Date: 05/05/2020
Manish Pal
Roll no. 1029
PGDM (ABM) 2018-20
CCS NIAM, Jaipur
2
Acknowledgement
I am highly overwhelmed while expressing my sense of gratitude towards all those who
helped and guided me during this project. I extend my heartiest thanks to CCS National
Institute of Agricultural Marketing, for giving me such an opportunity for to strengthen
my domain of knowledge.
I feel immense pleasure in expressing my sincere and profound sense of gratitude to Ms.
Vasireddy Mani Chandana, Consultant (Agronomy), National Institute of Agricultural
Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad for his inspiring and affectionate
guidance, constant encouragement and constructive criticism during the course of
Individual project and in the preparation of the report.
It is a great pleasure to acknowledge my sincere thanks to Dr. Satish Chandra Pant,

Assistant Professor, CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing for helping me.
I also express my deep and earnest regards to Dr. Suchi Mathur, Assistant Director,
PGDM (ABM), CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing.
My sincere thanks also goes to Dr. P Chandra Shekara, Director General and other
Directors’, teaching & non-teaching staffs of CCS National Institute of Agricultural
Marketing.
Last but not the least, I bow my head in front of the almighty and my parents who has
always been the torch bearer for me throughout my work, by showing me the right path
and boosting my moral to bring the best out of me.
3
Executive Summary
The project includes package of practices for growing different crops adopted in the
state of Haryana. There are detailed practices for cultivation and harvesting of major
crops of Haryana included in the report.
The report includes 16 major crops of Haryana, each with the following sub-headings
in detail:
 Botanical name
 Common name
 Uses and nutritional aspects
 Area and Distribution
 Climatic requirement
 Soil requirement
 Field preparation
 Sowing time and method
 Seed rate and spacing
 Varieties grown
 Fertilizer requirement
 Weed management
 Irrigation
 Disease management
 Insect management
 Harvesting and storage
 Other Practices ( ratooning in sugarcane, ginning in cotton, nipping in chickpea etc.)
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Project Framework
Objectives:
 To know the different agricultural practices being performed by the farmers

in the state of Haryana for the cultivation of major crops
 To know the proper sowing time of different crops to get better yield
 To know the harvesting time of each crop to track mandi arrivals of
commodities
Methodology:
The project assigned to me was clearly focused on the “Study of Package of Practices of
Major crops grown in Haryana”. The source of information was primary as well as
Secondary data collection.
Primary Data Collection:
The telephonic interaction was done with the professors of Department of Agronomy,
College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.
Secondary Data Collection:
Some of the data was collected from different government websites, articles, annual
Reports, books and journals.
5
CCS National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (CCS NIAM)
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Agri-Business Management)
(PGDM-ABM)
Assessment of Individual Project
Batch: 2018-20
Student Name: Mr./Ms. Manish Pal Roll No.: 1029
Project Title: A Study on Package of Practices of major crops grown in Haryana.
Sr.No Item Max Marks Marks awarded

1. Quality of work done in report submitted 20 18
2. Assessment of the presentation(quality of the 10 8
audio-visual aids usage, communication ability
and dealing with audience questions)
3. Clarity of the study objective and the ability to 30 27
grasp the practical aspects of the subject or the
problem to be investigated.
4. Initiative, perseverance and capacity for hard 25 23
work.
5. Punctuality 15 14
6. TOTAL 100 90
Remarks, If any:
Name of Project guide: Vasireddy Mani Chandana

Date: 1 May 2020
Project Guide Signature with Stamp
6
Table of Content
Sr no. Particulars Page no.
1 Agriculture at a glance in Haryana
2 Agro-Climatic Zones
3 Acreage of major crops grown in Haryana
4 Indicative reference to the sowing time of crops
5 Achievements in principal crops of Haryana
6 Package of practices of Rice
7 Package of practices of Maize
8 Package of practices of Sorghum
9 Package of practices of Pearl Millet
10 Package of practices of Green gram
11 Package of practices of Cotton
12 Package of practices of Cowpea
13 Package of practices of Cluster bean
14 Package of practices of Wheat
15 Package of practices of Barley
16 Package of practices of Chickpea
17 Package of practices of Rapeseed & Mustard
7
18 Package of practices of Sugarcane
19 Package of practices of Barseem
20 Package of practices of Lucerne
21 Package of practices of Oat
22 References
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Agriculture at a glance in Haryana
Geographical area 44.2 lakh ha

Cultivable area 36.7 lakh ha (83%)
Net sown area 35.2 lakh ha (96%)
Gross cropped area 65 lakh ha
Cropping Intensity 184.6 %
Net Irrigated area 29.7 lakh ha (84%)
Average rainfall 456 mm
Agro Climatic Zones
Zones Districts included in the zone Major Crops taken
Arid Bhiwani, Mohindergarh, Rewari, Pearl Millet, Sorghum,

Jhajjar, Charkhi Dadri, Gurgaon, Barley, Mustard,
Mewat (7) Cluster Bean
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Semi Arid Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Cotton, Cluster Bean,
Rohtak, Faridabad, Palwal (7) Barley, Wheat,
Sorghum, Chickpea
Dry Sub- Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Rice, Maize, Wheat,

Humid Yamuna Nagar, Karnal, Kaithal, Sugarcane
Sonepat, Panipat (8)
Acreage of major crops grown in Haryana
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RICE 12.8
7
R&M 6
4.7
SUGARCANE 1
0.8
SORGHUM 0.5
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Area under cultivation

(in lakh ha)
1
0
Indicative reference to the sowing time of crops
Kharif Season Sowing Time Rabi Season Sowing Time
Cereals Rice Jun - Jul Wheat 1st Fortnight of

Nov
Maize Mid Jun - Mid Jul Barley Mid Oct
Oat Mid Oct– Mid

Nov
Course grains Pearl Millet 15 Jun – 15 Jul
Sorghum 25 Jun – 10 Jul
Oilseeds Rapeseed & 25 Sept – 15

Mustard Oct
Pulses Green gram 1st week of July Chickpea Mid Oct – Mid
Nov
Commercial Cotton 15 Apr– 30 Jun
Crops
Cluster bean Jun - Jul
Fodder Cowpea Jun – Jul Barseem 25 Sept – Oct

end
Lucerne 25 Oct – 10 Nov
1
1
Achievements in principal crops of Haryana
Crop Production (in lakh tonnes) Increase
(1966-67) (2018-19)
Rice 2.2 44.5 >20 times
Wheat 11 111 >10 times
Pearl Millet 3.2 9.6 > 3 times
Cotton 0.29 2.3 >7 times

(in million bales)
Sugarcane 5.1 82.2 >16 times
Mustard 0.8 11 >13 times
1
2
RICE
Botanical name: Oryza sativa

Common name: Dhan/chawal
Uses:
Rice is associated with prosperity and fertility, therefore there is the custom of throwing rice at
weddings. Rice is healthful as it does not contain fat, cholesterol and is sodium free. Rice is an
excellent food to include in a balanced diet. All rice is gluten free, making rice the essential
choice for people with gluten free dietary requirements. Rice does not contain all of the essential
amino acids in sufficient amounts for good health, and should be combined with other sources
of protein, such as nuts, seeds, beans, fish, or meat.
Nutritional aspects:
Colored rice strains such as the purple rice derives its color from anthocyanins and tocols.
Scientific studies suggest that these color pigments have antioxidant properties that may be
useful to human health. A good source of protein, vitamins and minerals such as thiamine,
niacin, iron, riboflavin, vitamin D, calcium, and fiber. It is low sugar.
Area and distribution

In Haryana major rice growing districts are karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Sonepat and Panipat.
However, its cultivation has been extended to Hisar, Jind, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Faridabad also.
The productivity of Haryana is 27.3 q/h
Climatic requirement
In India, its cultivation extends from 80 N to 380N latitude under varying climatic
conditions. It is grown in areas ranging from below sea-level as in Kuttanad region of Kerala to
altitude above 2000 m as in parts of J&K. Depending upon the pattern of rainfall distribution, it
is cultivated as a rainfed upland crop in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Western Orissa. On the
contrary, it is also grown in shallow (up to 30 cm), semi-deep (30-100 cm) and deep water (1-6
m) ecosystem in eastern U.P., Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Orissa.
The optimum climate requirements for its normal growth include 20-25 oC temperature
throughout the crop duration, clear sky during day for better interception of solar energy and
high photosynthetic activity, low night temperature for reduced maintenance respiration and
equitable distribution of rainfall.
1
3
Soil requirement
Rice is grown in all types of soils. However, soils capable of holding water for a
longer period such as heavy neutral soils (clay, clay loam and loamy) are most suited for its
cultivation. It is grown normally in soils with soil reaction ranging from pH 5 to 8. Because
of its better adaptation it is also grown under extreme soil conditions such as acid peaty soil
of Kerala and highly alkaline soil of Punjab, Haryana and U.P.
Sowing time
In parts of Eastern region and Penninsular India, the mean temperature is favourable
through out the year for rice cultivation; hence two or three crops are taken in a year. In
Northern and Western parts of the country, where temperatures are fairly low only one crop
of rice is taken during kharif season. There are three seasons for growing rice in India. These
three seasons are named according to the season of harvest of the crop.
Crop season Local Name Sowing time Harvest time

Winter Rice/ Aman June - July Nov. – Dec.
Kharif Rice
Irrigated rice:
1. Direct seeded
2. Transplanted
Direct seeded Rice
In DSR, rice is sown directly into the moist soil like wheat, corn or cotton. The best
planting time of DSR will be 10 to 15 days earlier than the traditional transplanting time. Laser
leveling is necessary. It increases water efficiency, improves crop stand and optimizes input
use.
Advantages of DSR
Labour saving up to 75 %
Water saving up to 30 %
10-12 days early maturity as compared to transplanted rice
Timely sowing of successive wheat crop
Saving of machinery operations (needed for puddling)
Avoids compaction of soil due to puddling
Good precursor of zero tillage technology
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Planting techniques and seed rates in DSR
Sowing is done in moist soils using a wheat drill or Zero- till drill calibrated to deliver
desired seed quantity for Basmati and course rice varieties keeping 22 cm row spacing. Soaked
seed should, however, be dried in shade to avoid stickiness of wet seed for broadcasting.
Soaking of seed with fungicide eliminates or reduces seed borne and soil-borne diseases. The
seed rate for direct seeding of fine grain rice varieties should be 25-30 kg/ha and for coarse
varieties it should be 30-35 kg/ha. Seed should be sown 2-3cm deep for good crop stand.
Placing seed below 3cm affects seed emergence.
Fertilizer management
The optimum quantity of fertilizer needed depends on the fertility status of the field soil.
A generalized recommendation is 150 kg N, 60 kg P 2O5 and 60 kg K2O with 25 kg ZnSo4 per
ha.
Transplanted rice
About 45% of rice is grown under irrigated condition, predominantly as transplanted crop.
Direct seeding of germinated seeds in wet soil (puddle field) is also practiced in areas with
abundant irrigation water and problems of labour availability.
Nursery raising:
The choice of method of nursery raising depends on soil type, irrigation water availability and
seasonal factors.
Dapog nursery:
In this kind of nursery raising, farmer does not require a large area. Nursery can be raised at
any location in just half the time required for normal nursery. Although this method requires
more care, it saves water and expenses on nursery uprooting. Mat nursery is required in any flat
surface including cement floors, which should however be lined with banana leaves or
polythene sheets to prevent direct contact between seedlings and the surface.
15
Time of nursery sowing
Short duration dwarf varieties: 15 May to 30 June

Medium duration dwarf varieties: 15 May to 30 May
Basmati group: Ist week of June
The seedlings in nursery will be ready for transplanting after about 30 days.
Preparation of main field
Plough the field 20-25 cm deep by mould board plough or by harrow and keep the
field free from weeds and other stubbles. Before transplanting irrigate the field and allow the
water to stand for 5-7 cm. Puddle the field by 2-3 times depending upon the soil condition.
Apply fertilizer as per recommendation.
Transplanting
Generally 2-3 seedlings per hill should be transplanted at following spacing. For tall
varieties at 20 X 15 cm for normal sowing and 15 X 15 cm for late planting while for basmati
varieties spacing should be 20 X 15 cm. In case of delay in transplanting the relave increase
in seedling age have encouraging results.
Varieties
(A) Non scented medium duration (136-150 days)
Variety Grain yield Remarks

(q/ha)
HKR 127 70 Crop duration is 140 days. It is very sensitive to false smut.
Water requirement is more as compare to other varieties
to exploit maximum yield. For normal planting,
semi-dwarf, long slender grain
HKR 126 67 Average plant height is 110 cm with 140 days crop
duration. It is resistant to WBPH and stem rot but tolerant
to BLB. It can tolerate the scarecity of water.
16
HKR 120 62 Average plant height is 105 cm, stiff stem and non
lodging , 146 days crop duration and it is resistant to
WBPH and BLB but tolerant to stem rot.
PR 106 60 Takes 145 days upto maturity and sensitive against

diseases and pests.
JAYA 65 Stiff stem, non lodging and takes 142 days upto maturity.
(B) Non scented medium to early duration (120-135 days)
HKR 47 65 Non lodging in growth and takes 135 days upto maturity.
It is well preferred for intensive cropping system.
HKR 46 63 Flag leaf is large and straight growing in nature. It takes

135 days upto maturity. For normal and late planting,
semi-dwarf, long slender grain
IR 64 58 Plant height is 108 cm. Crop duration is 135 days. It is

very tolerant to stem rot and WBPH.
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(C) Non scented early duration (110-120 days)
Govind 52 Crop duration is 115-120 days. This variety can be
successfully rotated with Toria, potato and Barseem in
Rabi season.
Pusa 33 60 It is suitable for kharif (July-November) and early
summer (March-June) season.
Taraori Basmati 25 Extra long rice, aromatic, photo insensitive, resistant to
WBPH and stem rot
Basmati 370 27 Long rice, aromatic, photo-insensitive resistant to WBPH
and stem rot.
CSR 30 35 Suited for saline and alkaline conditions
(E) Scented Semi-dwarf (140-155 days)
Haryana 40 Semi-dwarf, long slender grain, aromatic,
Basmati No.1 photoinsensitive, resistant to blast, false smut, WBPH,
stem borer.
Pusa 50 Susceptible to pest and diseases
Basmati No. 1
Pusa 1460 50 It is highly resistant to BLB
Pusa 1121 40 It takes 145 days upto maturity. It is very sensitive to
bakane disease.
(F) Hybrids
Haryana Sankar 82 Broad and light green erect leaves, compact plant type
Dhan 1 with long slender partially awned grains.
Haryana Sankar 82 Compact plant type, long flag leaf ,thick stem with long
Dhan 2 slender grains
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Fertilizer requirement
Duration N P2O5 K2O ZnSO4 Time of application

kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha kg/ha
Non basmati
Short 120 60 60 25 Apply full P, K, zinc and1/3N at puddling &
remaining N in two split at 3 and&6 weeks
after transplanting
Medium 150 60 60 25 -do-
Basmati
Tall 60 30 - 25 Apply full P and zinc at puddling & N in two
equal splits at 3 and 6 weeks after transplanting
Dwarf 90 30 - 25 Apply full P, K, zinc &1/3N at puddling &
remaining N in two split at 3&6 weeks after
transplanting
Phosphorous can also be applied in two splits: half at the time of puddling and half at
three weeks after transplanting. If due to some reasons ZnSO 4 is not applied at transplanting
than it can be applied as foliar spray. Depending upon the requirement 2-3 spray of 0.5%
ZnSO4 + 2.5% urea can be done one month after transplanting. The first spray can be done
one month after transplanting. For efficient utilization of nitrogen, apply ammonium form of
nitrogen (Urea or ammonium sulphate). Always apply nitrogenous fertilizers in the evening.
Green manuring also helps in improving the yield. After harvesting of wheat in Rice – wheat
rotation sowing of Sesbania can be done using a seed rate of 25-30 kg/ha and it must be
incorporated in the soil at 45 – 50 days stage which will provide 20-30 kg N/ha to the
succeeding crop of rice. Biofertilizers such as blue-green algae or Azolla provide 20-25 kg
N/ha, if added as partial supplement to inorganic fertilizers.
Water management
Proper water management facilitates good tillering and better nitrogen uptake and
helps to reduce weed population. It is ideal to maintain 2-5 cm water throughout the growing
season. Water should be drained out from the field 7 to 15 days before harvesting depending
on the soil type to encourage quick and uniform maturity of grains.
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Weed management
Weeds causes yield losses on rice from 10 to 40% depending upon weed flora and
their intensity. Major weeds of rice are as under
Grasses Broadleaf weeds Sedges
Echinochloa glabrescens Ammania baccifera Cyperus difformis
Echinochloa colona Ammania auriculata Cyperus iria
Echinochloa crusgalli Sphenochlea zeylanica Cyperus rotundus
Leptochloa panicea Caesulia axillaris Scirpus roylei
Eragrostis spp. Eclipta alba Fimbristylis milliacea
Paspalum paspalodes Saggitaria guyanensis Scirpus maritimus
Ischaemum rugosum Marsilea minuta Cyperus compressus
Dactyloctenium aegyptium Commelina spp. Cyperus esculentus
Eriochloa procera Ipomoea aquatica Scirpus supinus
Dinebra retroflexa Ludwigia parviflora
Grassy weeds emerge soon after transplanting, but broadleaf weeds and sedges appear
after 3-4 weeks of transplanting. Leptochloa panicea, Eragrostis spp., Commelina spp. and
Cyperus compressus are dominant in light textured soils; whereas, Sphenochlea zeylanica,
Saggitaria guyanensis, Marsilea minuta, Scirpus roylei, and Scirpus supinus and Scirpus
maritimus are more prevalent under poorly drained soils.
Control measures
A. Cultural and mechanical methods: One or two ploughing by harrow or cultivator
followed by puddling are helpful in controlling weeds. Some of the weeds viz. Echinochloa
and Cyperus sps. emerge even after puddling and need inter-culture or mechanical operations
to check their infestation.
B. Chemical control methods:
Herbicidal control of rice nursery:
Clean nursery is very important to have healthy seedlings for transplanting.
Pretilachlor 50 EC + safener (Sofit) at 2.0 litre/ha product per acre can provide 80-90%
control of weeds when applied 1-3 days after sowing (DAS) by mixing in 60 kg sand. Other
herbicides viz. butachlor (Machete or Delchlor or Hiltachlor) or thiobencarb (Saturn) or
pendimethalin (Stomp) at 3.0 litre/ha applied at 6 DAS by mixing in 60 kg sand can also be
used, though the level of weed control is lower than with pretilachlor with safener.
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Table 1. Major herbicides recommended for the control of weeds in transplanted rice
Sr. Common name Trade name Application Application
No. rates time
(kg/ha)
1. Butachlor 50 EC Machete, Trapp, Teer, Fast 3.125 2-3 days after
Mix, Delchlor, transplanting
Narmadachlor, Hiltachlor, (DAT)
Milchlor, Capchlor
2. Anilofos 30 EC Aniloguard, Arozin, 1.325 2-3 DAT
Control-H
3. Anilofos 50 EC Aniloguard 0.8125 2-3 DAT
4. Anilofos 18 EC Rico 2.25 2-3 DAT
5. Pretilachlor 50 EC Rifit, Eraze 2.00 2-3 DAT
6. Thiobencarb(satrun EC) Saturn 3.00 2-3 DAT
7. Oxadiargyl 80 WP Top Star 0.125 2-3 DAT
8. Metsulfuron+Chlorimuron Almix 0.02 25-30 DAT
(Ready mix)
9. 2,4-D Ester 38 EC / Several 1.00 25-30 DAT
Amine 58%
10. Ethoxysulfuron 15 WDG Sun Rice 0.1.25 25-30 DAT
Note:
1. Herbicides at serial No. 1-6 should be applied by mixing in 150 kg sand/ha. These
herbicides are mainly effective against grassy weeds and to some extent on sedges.
2. Top Star should be applied by spray method using 375 L water per ha.
3. Herbicides at Sr. No. 8-10 are used to control broadleaf weeds and sedges.
4. For the control of complex weed flora, apply recommended rate of anilofos, butachlor
or pretilachlor at 2-3 DAT and follow up application of Almix or 2,4-D or Sun Rice at
25-30 DAT after draining out water.
Precautions:
1. Herbicides should be well mixed with sand.
2. Interval between puddling and transplanting should be minimum; otherwise
germinating weeds will not be controlled by herbicides.
3. Water level of 4-5 cm should be maintained for at least 4 to 5 days after herbicide
application.
Diseases management
Blast (Pyricularia grisea or P. oryzae ana. Stage; tel. stage Magnaporthe grisea):The
disease appears on leaves, nodes, panicle and grains. On the leaves, spots are typically
21
spindle shaped with more or less pointed ends with greyish centers and brown to reddish
brown margins. Lesions may coalesce to kill the entire leaf. Later on infection may reach to
the nodes causing brown to reddish black spots. On panicle brown lesions develop near the
base causing neck blast. Use of healthy seeds, early sowing and transplanting helps in
reducing the disease. Some level of resistance has been recorded in IR-20, IR-36 and IR-42.
Spray Bavistin @ 0.2% or Beam or Hinosan @0.1% with initiation of leaf blast and repeat at
neck blast stage.
Brown spots (Drechslera oryzae): The symptoms appear on leaves, coleoptiles, leaf sheath,
panicle and branches. The symptoms appear as small circular spots which later on become
oval brown in colour with grey or whitish centre. Black or dark spots appear on the glumes
and under severe infection entire surface of the glumes may be covered. On coleoptile, the
lesions are small, circular to oval and brown in colour. Late sowing/transplanted crop fetches
more infection. Seed dipping for 24 hrs in Emisan-6 @ 5g in 10 lt. of water /10 kg seed.
Spraying of Dithane M-45 @ 0.2% at initiation of disease and repeat after 10-15 days.
Sheath Blight (Rhizoctonia solani): The symptoms appear at the tillering and flowering
stages of the crop. The lesions are ellipsoid to ovoid, varying from 1-3 cm long with grayish
white centre with brownish or red or purplish red margin. Sclerotia are formed on such
lesions. Burning of the crop residues, destruction of the collateral host, crop rotation and deep
summer ploughing help in reducing the inoculums.
Stem rot (Helminthosporium sigmoideum var. sigmoideum (Leptosphoeria salvinii)
Sclerotial stage = Sclerotium oryzae)
The disease appears at the later stages of the plant growth. The symptoms appear as yellowing
of the outer leaves in the culm. Brown irregular lesion on the outer leaf sheath near the water
line appear which later on cause discoloration to leaf sheath. The stem may be withered and
leads to lodging at the infection site. Dark grayish mycelium can be seen in hollow stem by
splitting. Small black sclerotia are also visible inside the stem. Different cultural practices
such as burning of the diseased debris, deep summer ploughing, allowing the soil to bake
before irrigation does help in reducing the disease.
Bakanae disease or Foot Rot [ Fusarium moniliforme (Gibberelle fujikuroi)]
The most important symptom is abnormal elongation of the infected plant. The infected
seedlings become thin and yellowish green in colour and are taller than the normal plant.
Sometimes nodal rooting also takes place in affected plant. Complete destruction or removal
of the infected straw, crop rotation and deep summer ploughing help in reducing the
incidence. Seed treatment with Bavistin @ 2.5 g/kg seed.
False smut (Ustilaginoidea virens): The disease is confined to the ears. Due to fructification
of the pathogen, scattered individual grains are converted into large, velvety green masses.
The transformed kernels are several times larger than the size of normal kernels. Initially the
colour is orange yellow which later on turns into blackish. On maturity, the surface of the
22
ball cracks, glumes remain stick and found closely sticking to the centre of the mass which
burst out. Seed treatment with Emisan-6 @ 0.25% help in reducing the inoculum. Spray
Blitox-50 @ 0.25 % at 50 per cent flowering and repeat after 10 days interval.
Bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae): Disease appears in three distinct
phases and produces three different types of symptoms.
Leaf blight phase: Leaf blight is most common and earliest symptom and starts with the
development of dull greenish water soaked translucent spots 5-10 cm in length along the leaf
edges. Later on these spots enlarges rapidly in length and width forming yellow lesions with
wavy margins along the leaf edges. These lesions turn white to grey and extend along the
margins. Later these coalesced to form straw coloured large spots which give the blighted
appearance. In young lesions white milky ooze can be seen early in the morning at the leaf
edges. Under favourable conditions infection leads to premature drying and field give
blighted look.
Kresek phase: The most dangerous phase is wilt or Kresek which can be seen one to two
week after transplanting. The infected plants show rolling and withering of the leaves and
increased multiplication of bacteria in xylem tissue causes wilting.
Pale yellow leaf phase: When the systemic infection occurs late in the tillering stage, pale
yellow leaves may develop. The older leaves are normal and green but youngest leaves are
uniformly pale yellow or may be yellowish green. Crop rotation, burning of the disease
debris, late sowing, early thinning, good tillage and early irrigation helps in reducing the
disease. Seed treatment with Streptocycline @ 200ppm check the seed borne inoculum. Rice
varieties like IR-20 and Ratna can limit the damage.
Insect management
Rice grasshopper (Hieroglyphus banian): The adults are 40-50 mm long shinning yellow
with black lines. The nymphs are yellowish with many reddish brown spots in the early stage
but become greenish as they grow old. Both nymphs and adults feed on the leaves of paddy
causing defoliation. The peak period is August and September. Apply 25 kg/ ha methyl
parathion dust (2%).
White-backed plant hopper (Sogatella furcifera): The adults are straw coloured with white
back. The nymphs are grayish white and turn dark grey when near to maturity. The eggs are
laid on leaf sheath. Both nymphs and adults suck cell-sap from the leaf surface. The leaves
turn yellow and later on rust red. The symptoms start from leaf tip. The insect secrete honey
dew on which sooty mould appears. The infested field gives a smoky appearance. The peak
period is August-September. Apply 25 kg/ha methyl parathion dust (2%) or 1 litre
Quinalphos 20 AF /ha should be sprayed in 500 litres of water.
Brown plant hopper (Nilaparvata lugens): The nymphs are brownish black with grayish
blue eyes. The nymphs and adults both suck the cell sap from the leaves. The insect also acts
as a vector of grass stunt virus disease. During heavy infestation crop shows a “hopper burn”.
Peak period is September-October. Apply 25 kg/ha methyl parathion dust (2%) or 1 litre
Quinalphos 20 AF /ha should be sprayed in 500 litres of water. Spray should be diverted on
the lower side of leaves.
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Rice Gundhy bug (Leptocorisa acuta): This pest is active from August to November. Both
nymphs and adults suck the juice from the milky stage of developing grains causing
incompletely filled panicles or empty grains. The fields having this pest emits a repungent
smell. So its name is ‘gundhy’ bug. Apply 25 kg/ ha methyl parathion dust (2%).
Yellow stem borer: It is active from April to October. More incidences are observed in
Basmati varieties. Before panicle initiation the apical portion of the plants dries up. The
plants in early stage produce spikes devoid of grains known as ‘White ears’. Spray 1250
ml/ha methyl parathion 50 EC or 2.5 litres of Chlorpyriphos 20 EC should be applied 30, 50
or 70 days after transplanting.
Rice leaf-folder (Cynaphalocrocis mendinalis): Young larva feeds on tender leaves without
folding them. The older larva feeds inside the folded leaf by scrapping the green matter. The
damaged leaves become membranous, turn white and finally wither. The peak period is
September to October. Apply 25 kg/ ha methyl parathion dust (2%) or 1 litre Quinalphos 20
AF /ha should be sprayed in 500 litres of water.
Rice hispa (Dicladispa armigera): The grub make mines in the leaf tissues and feed inside
them. The adults also feed on green matter and produce parallel whitish streaks on the leaf.
The damged leaf become membranous and give blisters appearance. Peak period is May to
October.
Harvesting
The grain matures even while the crop is green in colour. Hence farmers should be
ready to undertake timely harvesting. The seeds of the rice plant are first milled using a rice
huller to remove the chaff (the outer husks of the grain). At this point in the process, the
product is called brown rice. The milling may be continued, removing the 'bran', i.e., the rest
of the husk and the germ, thereby creating white rice. White rice, which keeps longer, lacks
some important nutrients; in a limited diet which does not supplement the rice, brown rice
helps to prevent the disease beriberi. Either by hand or in a rice polisher, white rice may be
buffed with glucose or talc powder often called polished rice.
20
MAIZE
Botanical name: Zea mays

Common name: corn or makki
Uses:
It is one of the most important cereal crops in the world agricultural economy both as food
for man and feed for animals including poultry. It is also known as “queen of cereals” because
of very high yield potential. Green cobs are roasted and consumed by people with great
interest. Several food dishes including chapaties are prepared out of maize flours and grains.
Green maize plants are used as succulent fodder. Popping the corn is a method of starch
cookery. Maize is a raw material for a number of products viz., starch, glucose, dextrose,
sorbitol, dextrine, high fructose syrup, maltodextrine, germ oil, germ meal, fiber and gluten
products which have application in industries such as alcohol, textile, paper, pharmaceuticals,
organic chemicals, cosmetics and edible oil..
Nutritional aspect: Maize seed contains 10% protein, 4% oil and 2-3% crude fiber. Maize
protein zein is deficient in tryptophan and lysine, the two essential amino acids. Maize is low
in calcium and fairly high in phosphorus and potassium.

It is grown mainly in Ambala, Yamunanagar, Panchkula, Kurukshetra and Karnal districts.
Maize is a warm weather plant. It grows from sea level to 3000 metre altitudes. It can
be grown under diverse conditions. It is grown in many parts of the country throughout the
year. Kharif (monsoon) season is the main growing season in northern India. In the south,
however, maize may be sown any time from April to October, as the climate is warm even in
the winter. Maize requires considerable moisture and warmth from germination to flowering.
Soil requirement
Deep, fertile, rich in organic matter and well drained soils are the most preferred ones
for the crop; however, maize may be grown on a variety of soil types. The soil should be
medium textured with good water holding capacity. From the results of the various field trials
it is observed that a loam or silt loam surface soil and a brown silt clay loam having fairly
permeable sub-soil are the ideal soil types. Thus the ideal soil is the one which is neither
clayey nor sandy and has a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
30
Cropping system
The important cropping rotations are:

Maize-potato/wheat/berseem/barley/oats 1 year
Maize-toria -wheat 1 year
Maize-potato-wheat 1 year
Maize-toria-sugarcane 2 years
Maize-wheat-sugarcane 2 years
Maize-wheat-cotton-berseem 2 years
Maize-senji-sugarcane-cotton 2 years
Maize-wheat-sorghum-sugarcane 3 years
Maize-potato-sugarcane-wheat 3 years
Crops like soybean, blackgram, moong, cowpea etc., are grown mixed with maize.
These legume crops are grown in the space between two rows of maize.
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Field preparation
One deep summer ploughing immediately after harvest of rabi crop. It helps in an
early sowing of the crop after giving one light ploughing by country plough followed by
planking. During kharif season the crop has to be protected from water-logging, therefore, it
to provide shallow furrows after certain distance and these furrows are connected with main
drains. The fertilizers are applied only on the ridges; in contrary to this the crop is sown in
furrows during rabi and spring seasons for a better water use efficiency and higher yields.
Sowing time
With the development of thermo and photo-nonsensitive maize varieties it has

become now possible to grow this crop throughout the year. Usually, three crops of maize
viz., kharif, rabi and zaid are grown in the country and sowing time differs accordingly.
Kharif Crop: It is observed that after outset of monsoon the rains impose a serious
problem in sowing of the seed, therefore, it is always better to sow the crop at least a
fortnight before rain starts so that the seedling are well established before they get
torrential rains. Early sowing also reduces the weed competition, the crop matures earlier
and the field becomes free for an early rabi season crop. Kharif sowing is done at
different times in different regions:
Crop region Sowing time

North-Eastern Hills First week of March
North-Western Hills April end to early May
Peninsular India May-June
Indo-Gangatic Plains and A.P. Mid June to Mid-July
32
Rabi Crop: This crop is popular in Bihar, parts of U.P., Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka and Maharashtra. The optimum date of sowing is end of October to mid of
November. The crop is raised under assured irrigation.
Spring Season Crop: This crop is grown in Bihar, Maharashtra, and tarai belt of UP and the
most optimum time for crop planting is late January to end of February. The crop is grown
irrigated.
Seed rate and spacing

Maize, being a non-tillering crop, needs to be very properly placed. Seed rate and
spacing depend upon growing season, variety, size and weight of the seeds. Keeping
everything in mind it has been observed that a spacing of 75 cm x 22 cm is the most optimum
for higher grain yield. The crop responds to a planting density of 55,000 plants per hectare.
Early maturing hybrids respond to higher plant population and vice-varsa.
A plant density of 85,000-1, 00,000 plants is maintained. The plant spacing vary from 50 cm
x 20 cm to 60 cm x 18 cm, A seed rate of 25-30 kg/ha is required. The optimum depth of
sowing is 7-8 cm in kharif and 4-5 cm in rabi. The optimum planting depth for sweet corns is
3-4 cm, while for super sweet corns it is 2.5 cm.
Seed treatment
Seeds should be treated for control of seed borne diseases with fungicides like Captan
or Thiram or Emisan @ 4 g/kg of seeds in maize.
Sowing method
Broadcasting: This is very old method, it requires more seed, imposes problem in weeding
etc. and hence this should be discouraged.
Drilling Method: In this method drills are used for sowing the seeds. Some times under high
moisture condition of the soil it becomes difficult to run the seed drill. The method is well
suited for sandy soils and is very quick.
Dibbling Method: This method is very time taking as the seeds are placed with the help of a
khurpi manually at required distance in the rows that are made 75 cm a part. It needs less seed
rate and is the best method for costly seeds.

Hill Sowing: In this method the seeds are dropped with the help of corn planters. The planters
are placed at an appropriate place pressed for dropping three or four seeds at one place which
is technically known as a hill. It also needs relatively less seed rate.
Sowing the seeds behind the plough: This method is very common in almost all the maize
growing areas of the country. In this case shallow furrows are opened with the help of a
country plough and seeds are dropped with pora or kera and planking is done thereafter to
cover the seeds. After the seedling has emerged out, they are thinned out for maintaining a
33
required plant population.
East-west sowing resulted in a higher grain yield and production of healthier plants because
of least mutual shading of the plants. The response was more pronounced with hybrid and
composite varieties as they are most sensitive to shading.
Hybrids/Varieties
HHM-1: Grains are yellow in colour. It matures in 83-84 days. Plants of this hybrid are
strong, medium in height and have dark green leaves. Grains are bolder than average. Its
average yield is 52 q/ha.
HHM-2: Grains are white in colour. It matures in 88-90 days. Stem of plants of this hybrid
are bold, strong, medium in height and have dark green leaves. Grains are bolder and
shinning. Its average yield is 55 q/ha.
HM-4: It is a medium duration hybrid. Grains are bold and have dark green leaves. Its
average yield is 52 q/ha. This is suitable for baby corn. The colour of the baby corn is light
yellow and have suitable size. It can be grown for baby corn in kharif, rabi and summer
season with a average yield of 12.2-15 q/ha. It is resistant to diseases.
HM-5: Grains are white in colour. It is a full season crop and initially its growth is slow.
Stem of plants of this hybrid are bold, strong, medium in height and have dark green leaves.
Grains are dent type. Its average yield is 60 q/ha.
HPQM-1: It is a good quality hybrid. Its plants are tall and strong. Cobs are large in size and
bold. Its grains are yellow in colour. It is suitable for both rabi and kharif seasons. It is
resistance to diseases and average yield is 65 q/ha.
Ganga hybrid-101: Crop matures in 95 to 105 days. It have conical ears and the grains are
hard, flint, round in shape and orange/yellow in colour. It was recommended for commercial
cultivation in Indo-Gangetic plains of Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, U.P., Bihar and West Bengal.
The hybrid is resistant to downy mildew, rust, leaf-blight and tolerant to top shoot borer.
Plants are medium tall, thick, resistant to lodging, having dark green leaves even at the time
of maturity of cobs and each plant bears two cobs on them. Due to its stay green characteristic
it is a good fodder for cattle even after the cobs are removed from the plants. It is capable of
yielding 50 to 65 quintals of grains per hectare.
Ganga-5: It was recommended for cultivation in Indo- Gangetic plains of North India which
matures within 95 days. It is like Ganga-3 in growth characters but is susceptible to stem borer
and downy mildew. Each plant bears one or two long and conical ears with tight husk cover
and the grains are bold, round flint of orange yellow colour. It yields about 55 to 60 q/ha.
34
Ganga-7: It is very similar to Ganga-5 in growth characters but superior in yielding ability. It
is an early maturing variety and is capable of producing 50 to 55 q/ha.
Deccan hybrid: The variety was released for Peninsular India and matures within 110 days.
The stems are thick with broader and dark green leaves. The plants are resistant to lodging and
the variety is resistant to downy mildew, leaf blight, and rust. Each plant usually bears one cob
which is cylindrical with tight husk covering. The grains are bold and flat because of semi-flint
character. They are yellow in colour. The variety is capable of producing 50 to 60 q/ha.
EH- 40184: A yellow hybrid capable of yielding 5 tonnes during kharif and 10 tonnes in
rabi. It may be grown in all the zones.
Composite Varieties of Maize
Amber: It was released for the cultivation in Peninsular India and Himalayan hills. The
variety is resistant to downy mildew, leaf blight and rust. Plants are tall, vigorous, with
broader leaves of dark green colour. It takes 110 to 115 days for maturity and yields about 50
to 55 q/ha. The plants bear one big cob having flat, bold, semi-flint grains of pale yellow
colour.
Jawahar: Released for cultivation in northern plains and Peninsular India. The stem is thick,
compact, having broad and dark green leaves. Its maturity duration is 110 days and yields 45
to 55 q/ha. Plants bear one long, cylindrical cob with tight husk covering. The grains are bold,
round and semi-flint in character with orange yellow colour. This variety is resistant to downy
mildew, leaf blight, rust and top shoot borer.
Sona: Released for cultivation in Indo-Gangetic plains of north India. It has tall, vigorous
plants with broad and light green coloured leaves. The crop matures in 100 days time and
yields 45 to 50 q/ha. Plants bear two small and conical cobs with small, hard, flint and orange
coloured grains.
Vijay: It was released for cultivation in north Indian plains of Indo-Gangetic region. Plants
are tall having long, narrow and light green coloured leaves. Plants have a tendency to bear
two long, tempering cobs with bold, flint and yellow coloured grains that mature within 100
days. It has yielding ability of 45 to 55 q/ha.
Nutritionally superior Opaque-2 composites:
Rattan: It is a medium maturing variety which is recommended for commercial cultivation

in Punjab and Rajasthan under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Grains are yellow
coloured, semi flint and soft.
35
Protina: It possesses all the characters like Shakti and Rattan except that it has been
recommended for Karnataka and tarai belt of U.P. These varieties need an isolation of 300 to
400 metres from the other varieties grown in the locality otherwise their genetic purity is
impaired and the variety loses its characters as well as it gives poor yield.
Ageti-76: The variety is released by Punjab for maize-wheat or maize-potato growing areas.
The crop matures in 85 days having bold and orange yellow grains. It produces 38-40 quintals
of grains/ha.
Pratap: The variety is released by Punjab. It matures in 95 days with a yielding ability of 45-
50 q/ha having flint to semident orange grains.
Laxmi: It is released by Bihar Govt. for production during rabi season. The crop matures in
150-175 days and the crop may yield about 65-70 q /ha having white semident grains.
Tarun: It is recommended for cultivation in M.P. which matures in 90 days having a yield
potential of 40-45 q/ha having semi-flint orange grains. The variety is resistant to downy
mildew and brown stripe diseases.
Navin: It is also recommended for U.P. which matures in 90 days and yields 45-50 q/ha
having semi-flint yellow grains. The variety is resistant to downy mildew, brown stripe and
stalk rot diseases.
Maize requires a regulated and assured supply of nutrients particularly nitrogen

throughout its growing period right from seeding stage to grain filling stage. A judicious
application of well rotten compost or F.Y.M. at the rate of 15 to 20 tonnes per hectare about 20
days before sowing the crop. Green manuring has been ideal for higher grain yields. Demand of
plants is more at tasseling and silking stage. The recommended dose is 150 N kg, 60 kg P 2O5 and
60 kg K2O/ha for hybrids and composite varieties. Therefore, nitrogen should be applied in the
splits viz., 1/3 rd at sowing, 1/3 rd at knee-height (about 35-40 days after sowing) and remaining
1/3 rd at tasseling stage. The deficiency of Zn in plants at latter stages of growth, however, may
be corrected by foliar application of ZnS04 dissolved in water (0.5 % ZnS04 + 2.5 kg urea
solution).
Weed management
36
Weeds emerge with the germination of maize seeds and causes more losses at 3-6
weeks after sowing than later stages. The important weeds are Elusine indica (thingri),
Cyperus species (motha), Cynodon dactylon (doob), Dactyloctenum aegyptium (makra),
Echinochloa colonum (sawank), Pharagmites (safed murge ka phool), Cleome viscose
(hulhul), Phyllanthus niruri (hazardana), Solanum nigrum (makoi), Portulaca oleracea
(nunia), Commelina bengalensis (kankoa). Two hoeings 15 and 30 DAS are necessary to
control weeds. Ploughing between the rows of crop of 1m height is practiced. It not only
helps in uprooting weeds, but also serves the earthing up purpose besides conserving rain
water. Pre-emergence application of atrazine or simazine @ 1 kg/ha has been found effective
in weed control.
Water management
In kharif, 2-3 irrigations are required after sowing, whereas, spring crop requires 8-10
irrigations. A good crop of maize requires about 48-60 cm of water during its life cycle. The
5 critical growth phases for irrigation are seedling stage (6-leaf stage), knee high stage,
tasseling, 50% silking and dough stages. Moisture stress at early growth stages results in
delayed tasseling and silking. Stress at later stage of growth causes drastic reduction in yield.
Kharif maize sown before monsoon should be given a pre-sowing irrigation besides irrigation
at 6-leaf stage. It must be ensured that the crop should not suffer from moisture stress at
tasselling and grain filling stages. Irrigation during frost period minimize the damage to crop.
Water logging is harmful, hence efficient drainage is equally important as irrigation. It is
observed that water logging for more than 3-4 days may result in a yield reduction to the
extent of 50% or even complete crop failure, depending upon severity of water logging. To
avoid water logging, sowing on ridges is desirable especially in kharif.
Disease management
Seedling blight: The young seedlings get infected by various fungi and they start dying.
The disease may be controlled by seed treatment with Captan/Thiram @ 3g/kg of seed before
sowing.
Soft rot: The disease is caused by the bacterium (Erwinia carotovora var Zeae) in which the
plants get infected at the collar spreading upto a height of 75 cm from the ground level at any
stage of the crop growth period. The diseased plants show typical wilt symptoms and they
collapse to the ground because the organism dissolves the middle lamella of the cell walls
that results into disintegration of tissues. The plants show white oozing at the infected parts
that stinks and may be seen by the naked eyes. Poorly drained heavy soils along with hot and
humid weather favour the attack of the disease. The disease may be controlled by providing
an efficient drainage and by selecting a light textured soil for growing the crop.
Stalk rot: It is caused by Cephalosporium sp. and the plants get infected as secondary
37
infection due to mechanical injury during field operation or by insect borers. The disease
spreads from one internode to another. Disease may be controlled by selecting resistant
varieties, control of insect borers and avoiding mechanical injury to the plant.
Charcol rot: It is caused by Microphomina phaseoli. The plants get affected at the final stage
in which the affected parts become dry and brittle having innumerable pycnidia. The disease
may be controlled by adopting a long term rotation of 4-5 years duration, rouging out
diseased plants and by growing crop in properly drained light textured soils.
Leaf rust: The disease is caused by Puccinia sorghi. It is very common in Himalayan region
during kharif season and in southern India during rabi season. Spraying of 0.2 per cent Zineb
solution 2-3 times at an interval of 10 days soon after appearance of rust sori on the leaves.
Downy mildew: The diseases plants show long parallel stripes, 3 to 7 mm wide, yellowish-
tan to purple in colour. Defoliation, malformation or shredding is not common in affected
plants.
38
Smut: Ustilago zeae causes smut disease in ears and tassels by which they are partially
transformed into galls. The disease may be controlled by applying lower doses of nitrogen,
uprooting of smut affected plants and adopting long duration crop rotation.
Insect management
Stem borer (Chilo zonellus Swinh): Stem borers are the most damaging and serious pest of maize
and they are common in all the states where maize is grown. Borers attack the crop right from
seedling stage to the older plants. In case of seedlings the insect makes dead hearts while in older
plants the larvae bores into the stalk through apex and makes tunnels that result into a considerable
reduction in the grain yield. The cobs are also seen attacked by these borers and grains are
damaged. For the control of stem borer spray the crop four times starting after 10 days after
germination of crop at an interval of 10 days with 500g,750 g,1000g and 1000 g carbaryl 50WP
dissolving in 500,750,1000 and 1000 litre of water per hectare area, respectively. Spray should
be targeted to the growing part of the stem only.
Other pests like Pink borer, Leaf borer, grass hoppers and Army worms may be nicely
controlled by spraying 625 ml monocrotophos 36 SL or 1250 ml quinalphos 25EC or 350 ml
Methyl Parathion 50 EC per hectare by dissolving in 625 litres water.The plants should not
be fed to the cattle upto three weeks after application of these insecticides as they cause a
serious stomach disorder.
Shoot fly and aphids: There should be no water logging in the field. Application of 10 per
cent Phorate (Thimet) granules in the furrows before sowing at the rate of 15 kg/ha should be
done and the insecticides should be covered with a thin layer of soil after which the seeds
should be sown. Spraying 0.1 per cent Metasystox at the rate of 560 lt/ha after one week after
germination. The spraying should be repeated at every 15 days interval for more effective
control.
Harvesting and grain shelling

The grain crop of maize is harvested when cob sheath turns brownish, grains become
hard and they do not contain more than 20 per cent moisture. The plants start yellowing and
drying along with maturity of the cobs. The symptoms of maturity in hybrids and composites
are the sheath becomes brown, sheath becomes loose, silks dry up completely etc. There are
two methods of maize harvesting viz., plucking of cobs and stalk cutting. In case of former
method the ears are removed from the standing plants and they are spread on threshing floor
24 hours for drying in the sun. The stalks may be used as green fodder. While in stalk-cut
method the plants are cut and piled up. The cobs are removed after two or three days after
harvesting. The dried plants are used for hay making. Harvested cobs are dried and grains are
separated out from them. Common practice in villages is hand shelling but efficiency is very
poor.
39
SORGHUM
Botanical name: Sorghum bicolor

Common name: Jowar/ great millet/ guinea corn
Uses:
Millions of people in Africa and Asia depend on sorghum as the staple food. Sorghum is also
used as fodder for livestock. Over 55% of grain produced globally is used for human
consumption in the form of flat breads and porridges (thick or thin) and about 33%of grain
used in feeding livestock.
Sorghum grain contains about 10-12% proteins,3% fat and 70% carbohydrates. Therefore, it
can satisfactorily replace other grains in feeding programme for dairy cattle, poultry and
swine..
It is a short day C 4 plant Sorghum requires warm climate but can be grown under a
wide range of climatic conditions. The plant can tolerate high temperatures throughout their
life-cycle better than any other cereal crop. The minimum temperature for germination of
sorghum seed is 7-10oC. It needs 26-30oC temperature for its optimum growth. Temperatures
below13oC at blooming stage are detrimental to seed setting in rabi. Sorghum is a short day
plant. Flowering is hastened by short days and delayed by long days. The time of heading in
sorghum is influenced by temperature as well as photoperiod. It is grown from sea level to as
high as 3,000 m elevation. It can be grown as a kharif crop in northern India. In western and
southern parts of the country it is grown also as a rabi crop. Sorghum cultivation during kharif
is declining in the country as prolonged rains at flowering stage aggravates grain mould
incidence and the infected grains are unfit for human consumption.
Soil requirement
Sorghum can be grown on wide range of soil provided good drainage facility is there.
The soil should be loam and near neutral. In India, it is mainly grown in alfisols (red) and
vertisols (black). These soils have pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 coupled with low N and P and
rich in non-exchangeable potash.
Field preparation
The cloddy field also aids in moisture conservation by increased opportunity time for
runoff. With the onset of monsoon, the field is ploughed or harrowed 2-3 times to break the
clods followed by planking. In heavy soils prone to water logging, levelling is also done for
easy drainage. There should be proper moisture at the time of sowing.
40
Sowing time
It is mainly a kharif season crop in north India. In south India, it can be grown in
kharif, rabi as well as summer seasons. In kharif under rainfed situations, the onset of
monsoons is the single most factors deciding sowing time. Last week of June to first week of
July is the optimum time of sowing for kharif and rainy season crop (25 June to 10 July).
However, under irrigated conditions, the crop establishment before onset of monsoon is ideal.
Thus 1-2 weeks advance sowings before monsoon are adopted. Too early or delayed sowings are
not good as the flowering time may coincide with rains leading to grain mold incidence in the
former case and moisture stress in the later.
Rabi sorghum is cultivated in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. In Andhra
Pradesh, it is called Maghi season. For summer sowing the ideal time is 20 March to 10 April
and April is the optimum sowing time for Sweet Sudan Grass.
Seed rate and sowing method
In kharif and irrigated rabi seasons, the optimum population varies from 1, 50,000 to
2,00,000 plants/ha. In rainfed rabi crop, the optimum population is little lower i.e. 1,
35,000/ha. These plant populations are achieved by planting at 45 cm x 15 cm or 60 cm x 10
cm. A seed rate of 8-10 kg/ha is required to achieve these plant populations. After
germination, plants in the rows are thinned at the desired spacing. In north India, sorghum is
sown either by broadcast or in rows behind the plough. The seeds of hybrids and improved
varieties should always be sown in rows for obtaining higher yields.
So in our conditions for sorghum 50-60 kg/ha and sweet sudan grass 30-35 kg/ha seed
is sufficient. Under moisture limiting environments, paired row planting pattern has been
found promising. The paired row planting systems include 30/60 cm and 45/90 cm.
Thinning
In rows, plants should be thinned out to maintain 15-20 cm plant to plant spacing at 2
stages. First thinning should be done 10-15 days after emergence and the second at 20-25
days after sowing. All diseased and insect infested plants should be removed in thinning.
Cropping system
Mixed cropping of soybean, pigeonpea, blackgram, greengram and cowpea with

sorghum has been found profitable in north India. Sorghum hybrid CSH 6 is more suitable for
mixed cropping. Most of the high yielding varieties and hybrids mature in about 90-120 days,
and fit well in multiple crop rotations. Some of the sorghum based crop rotations with
sorghum are:
North India: Sorghum-wheat, Sorghum-wheat-moong, Sorghum-gram, Sorghum-potato-

41
wheat, Sorghum-Raya, Sorghum-potato/ rape-wheat/ tobacco, Sorghum-cotton-groundnut,
42
Varieties under cultivation in Haryana state are:
HC 136:Recommended for irrigated areas. Plants are tall and sweet. Leaves of this variety
are large and broad and remain green upto maturity. Average yield of green fodder is 500-600
q/ha and grain yield is 11.25 q/ha. Grains of this variety are white and bold.
HC 171:It is a medium size, sweet and broad leaves variety. It is resistant to different leaf
diseases. Its quality is very good. It can produce 500 q/ha of green fodder or 160-175 q/ha of
dry fodder. It can produce 12.5q/ha of grain which are of small size and dirty white in colour.
HC 260:Plants of this variety are tall and non-sweet and large and broad. It takes 85-88 days
for maturity and plants remain green at maturity. It is resistant to red spot of leaf disease. It is
good for dry fodder. On an average it produces 450-500 q/ha of green fodder or 175-185 q/ha
of dry fodder. It can produce 15q/ha of grain which are of medium size and white in colour.
HC 308:This variety is recommended for irrigated areas. Plants of this variety are tall, juicy
and leafy. It is free from red spot disease. It provides 525 q/ha green fodder or 175 q/ha dry
fodder and 15 q/ha of grain. It takes 115 days for maturity.
Sweet sudan grass 59-3:This variety is recommended for irrigated areas. This variety is
sweet and good in quality and provides green fodder for a long period. It is multicut and
generally 3-5 cuts can be taken depending upon the management conditions. It provides green
fodder from May to November with a production of 750 q/ha green fodder.
HJ 513:It is a dual purpose (green fodder and grain) variety recommended for cultivation in
2006. The leaves of this variety are long and broad. Dry fodder quality is good. It provides
470-500 q/ha of green fodder. Its grains are bold and cream in colour. It has high protein
content and digestibility is more and resistant to lodging. It remains green upto harvest.
Sorghum is an exhaustive crop, but needs moderate fertilizer application owing to its
moisture limiting conditions. Fertilizer requirement of hybrid/ composite varieties of
sorghum is higher than desi cultivars. In rainfed crop, 10 t/ha of FYM with 40-60 kg N/ha
and 20-30 kg P2O5/ha is applied as basal. Under irrigated conditions, the crop should receive
80-100 kg N and 30-40 kg P2O5/ha. All P along with 50% N is applied as basal at the time of
sowing. Rest 50% N is top-dressed by band placement 30 days after sowing at flower
primordial initiation stage. For sweet sudan grass apply 25 kg nitrogen/ha after each cut. Soil
application of 25 kg zinc sulphate once in 3 years or foliar spray (2 times) of 0.2% zinc
sulphate is promising in zinc deficient soils. In case of iron deficiency, foliar spray (twice) of
0.1% ferrous sulphate is recommended.
43
Water management
It is predominantly grown as rainfed crop in kharif and on conserved moisture in rabi.

The water requirement of sorghum varies from 30-50 cm (kharif and rabi) to 60-70
cm(summer). Summer jowar is grown exclusively under irrigation. Depending upon
availability of water resources for irrigation, jowar is provided with protective irrigation in
kharif and is grown as irrigated crop in rabi. Early sown crop (March-June) generally requires
4-5 irrigations. However, June or July sown crop requires 1 or 2 irrigation depending upon
rainfall.
Weed management
Weeds simultaneously germinate in the crop sown under kharif rainfed conditions.
The initial 30-45 days after sowing is the critical period of crop-weed competition. The crop
should be kept weed free during this period. This is achieved by manual weeding and hoeing
in rabi and zaid seasons. During kharif season, intermittent rains may not permit weeding and
hoeing. Weeds may cause 20-60% reduction in yield, if not controlled at right time. During
kharif season both grassy and broad-leaved weeds grow with sorghum crop. These are:
Echinochloa colonum, E. crusgalli (sawank), Dactyloctenium aegypticum (makra), E.
leusineindica (kodo), Setaria glauca (bandar-bandri), Cyperus rotundus (motha),
Sorghumhalepanse (banchari), Cynodon dactylon (doob), and Phragnutes kakta (narkul).
Weeds should be removed with the help of kasola or hand hoe in 3-week old crop.
Atrazine@ 1.0 kg/ha in 800-1000 litres of water as pre-emergence just after sowing could
successfully control the weeds. The integration of above herbicides with one hand weeding
or hoeing 35-40 DAS may effectively control most of the weeds. If striga (root parasitic
weed) menace is severe, 2,4-D should be applied as post-emergence @ 1kg/ha between 20-
60 DAS.
44
Disease management
Downy mildew (Sclerospora sorghi): Infested seeding have pale yellow narrow leaves that
are covered on both sides by soft white downy growth of fungus. The affected plants remain
stunted and dry up permanently. For control seed treatment with Agrosan GN or Ceresan @ 4
g/ kg seed and spray of Dithane Z 78 (0.2%) to reduce secondary infection. The diseased
plants should be removed and buried into the soil.
Anthracnose (Cercospora sorghi): The disease appears as small spots on leaves and lower
parts of the plant, which spread upwards later on. The leaf spots are light brown at center and
dark at the margins. Seed treatment with Agrosan GN @ 3 g/kg seed followed by spray of
Zineb (0.2%) at 10 days interval starting from 35 DAS can control the disease.
Grain smut: The affected grains are malformed, discoloured and contain black spore masses.
This disease can be controlled by treating the seeds before sowing with sulphur dust @ 1:250
or with Emisan @ 2g/ha.
Red leaf spot: Irregular, tan coloured spots with reddish brown margins appear on leaves.
Improve soil fertility and eradicate Baru grass.
Insect management
Sorghum is attacked by shoot-fly in early stages of growth by stem borer during the
entire growing period and by the midge during the earing stage.
Shoot fly attacks the crop from March to mid-May and mid-July to September. It is,
therefore, desirable to sow the crop from mid-May to June. Use high seed rate (10%), remove
plants with dead-hearts (formed by shoot fly as well as stem borer) at weekly interval, and
destroy them. In severe attack, spray 1kg carbaryl 50WP in 500 litre water per hectare.
Stem borer is a major pest of sorghum and its attack starts 15 days after germination. In young
crop, growing shoot dries while in grown up crop; caterpillars found feeding inside the stem.
For the control spray 1000 g carbaryl 50 WP in 500 litre water per hectare after 20 days of
sowing and repeat spray 10 days after spray.
45
PEARL MILLET
Botanical name: Pennisetum glaucum

Common name: Bajra/ Indian millet/ Bulrush millet
Uses:
Pearl millet is the major coarse grain crop of world. It is C 4 plant and is the most drought and
heat tolerant among cereals or millets and it has the highest water use efficiency under
drought stress. Pearl millet is used as low cost substitute for maize in poultry and dairy feed.
It is also used as green fodder or dry karvi for cattle. Pearl millet grains are eaten cooked like
rice or ‘chapaties’ are prepared out of flour like sorghum or maize. Pearl millet, due to its rich
protein content can be used for preparation of several protein rich foods and feeds. Surplus
grains may be utilized for alcohol production. Importance of pearl millet as dry fodder and
green forage is apparent with pearl millet to sustain the cattle wealth of dry regions and
promote milk and meat production.
Pearl millet grain have higher protein content (11.6%), fat (5%) and fiber (12%), more
balanced amino acid profile, higher levels of iron and zinc and insoluble dietary fiber.
In south western Haryana, pearl millet is the important crop. About 75% of pearl millet is
grown as a rainfed crop, which is subject to risk of failure due to drought conditions. This is
one of the reasons using less fertilizer in the crop by the farmers. The maximum area
concentration of pearl millet cultivation was observed in Bhiwani district where it occupied
36.3 per cent of the total area followed by Mahendergarh (17.5%), Hisar (12.4%), Gurgaon
(10.4%) and Rewari (9.9%) districts.
Pearl millet is a rapid growing warm weather crop suitable for areas with 42 to 75 cm
rainfall. During the vegetative growth of the crop moist weather is useful. The rainfall at
flowering time is harmful as it washes pollen and consequently there is a poor seed setting.
The crop does best under conditions of light showers followed by bright sun shine. The
optimum temperature for growth is 25-30oC.
46
Soil requirement
Pearl millet can be raised on variety of soils, but prefers light textured soils of low
inherent fertility. Loamy sand to loamy soils which are well drained and non saline and non
alkaline in nature are ideal for pearl millet.
Field preparation
The crop needs fine tilth as the seeds are too small summer ploughing every year and
deep ploughing once in 3-4 years is better for releasing major nutrients and greater retention
of moisture in the soil. Adequate moisture in the seed bed at the time of sowing is conducive
to good and quick germination. So, prepare fine and smooth seed bed which is free from
weed and stubbles / clods.
Sowing time
The time of sowing in kharif under rainfed conditions depends on the onset of
monsoon. First fortnight of June to mid July is the optimum time of sowing. In Tamil Nadu,
pearl millet is grown as rabi rainfed crop in regions with north-eastern monsoon from
September-December. Irrigated summer crop is seeded in February-March. Delayed sowing
up to August results in high seedling mortality, quick reproductive life cycle and low yield
owing to incidence of diseases like ergot. If delay in sowing is anticipated, transplanting of
seedlings is advised.

A seed rate of 4-5 kg/ha is required for line sowing behind a drill or country plough.
Keep line to line distance at 45 cm. Keep plant to plant spacing of 10-15 cm. The optimum
plant population is 1.75 – 2.00 lakh /ha however, plant population of 1.50 to 1.60 lakh/ha
should be maintained in erratic rainfall areas. The seed should not be sown deeper than 4 cm
for proper germination. Use more seed rate in one good corner of the field to have spare
plants for gap filling. Sowing can be done by ridger seeder at 30/60 cm spacing in paired
rows to save the crop from crust formation and furrows helps in drain of excess water in case
high rainfall is received.
Transplanting
In case of transplanting, 2 kg seed/ha is sufficient to provide desired number of
seedlings/ha. Seeds are sown on flat bed in 10 cm rows at 2 cm depth in 500 m 2 nursery. 30
kg N/ha is applied at the time of sowing. The seedlings are ready in 3 weeks for transplanting
in a field, which is irrigated previously. However, under rainfed conditions, transplanting is
advised after the receipt of rains only. The benefits of transplanting include: i) early maturity,
ii) escaping from low temperature effect on grain filling iii) ensuring optimum plant stand
and iv) producing more tillers and earheads as compared to direct seeding. However, the
limited moisture periods available in rainfed situation and high labour requirement often limit
its wider adaptability.
47
Cropping system
In rainfed areas of north India, pearl millet is raised mixed with blackgram, greengram
and sesame. Intercropping of groundnut or castor with hybrid pearl millet has also shown
promise at Hisar. Intercropping of greengram with pearl millet (2 rows of greengram in
between 2 rows of pearl millet) may give an additional 2-3 q/ha of greengram grain. Two
rows of cowpea in place of mungbean may produce about 90 q/ha of green fodder within 45
days. Important crop rotations followed with pearlmillet are:
Pearl millet-wheat-greengram
Pearl millet-barley/ gram/ pea/ wheat / berseem/ Raya
Pearl millet-potato-mungbean
Pearl millet-wheat- pearl millet
Pearl millet-potato-wheat
Pearl millet-toria-wheat
Intercropping/strip cropping: Follow 2:1 pearl millet + clusterbean or pearl millet + green
gram or pearl millet + cowpea intercropping system for optimization of resources and
protection against adverse climatic conditions. Strip cropping in 6:3 ratio i.e six rows of pearl
millet + three rows of mungbean/ cowpea/cluster bean is also a profitable proposition.
Improved hybrids / varieties

Hybrid / Grain Dry Maturity Other features
Composite Yield fodder (day)
(q/ha) (q/ha)
HHB 197 35.0 115 68-72 Bristled panicles. Tolerant to drought
HHB 67 31.0 90 62-65 Improved version of HHB 67. Tolerant to
(Improved) drought
HHB 146 37.5 125 75-80 Robust hybrid. Tolerant to lodging
HHB 117 34.0 120 70-73 Stay green character. Fairly tolerant to
drought
HHB 94 32.5 110 70-75 Synchronous tillering. Tolerant to drought
HHB 68 31.0 88 62-65 Extra early maturing. Tolerant to drought

HHB 67 31.0 88 60-62 Extra early hybrid. Tolerant to drought.
HHB 60 32.5 110 74-76 Good quality fodder. Tolerant to drought.
HHB 50 32.5 110 76-80 Responsive to inputs. High biomass.
ICMH 356 25.0 120 75-80 Mid-early in maturity. It also has stay green
character
WCC 75 20.0 120 80- 85 Mid-late in maturity. Highly resistant to
downy mildew and not normally susceptible
to ergot or smut.
HC 20 31.0 130 80-83 High biomass. Resistant to diseases.
HC 10 29.0 125 75-80 Resistant to diseases. Tolerant to drought
HC 4 25.0 120 82-86 High biomass. Resistant to diseases
48
Application of FYM or compost @ 10-15 tonnes/ha fulfill requirement of local
varieties of pearl millet. This should be applied at the time of land preparation. Apply
fertilizer on soil test basis, in case it is not possible then apply 125 kg N + 62.5 kg P 2O5 / ha
for irrigated high yielding pearl millet hybrids. Apply 40 kg N+ 20 Kg P 2O5/ha for rainfed
pearl millet hybrids. Seed inoculation with Azosprillum is found to save between 10-20 Kg
N/ha. Apply full dose of P and half of nitrogen at sowing and the rest half in two splits half at
thinning (21 days) and half at ear emergence or at 35-40 DAS. Zinc sulphate @ 25kg/ha
should be applied in case it is not used in previous crop. In transplanted crop 50 kg N/ ha
after 7-10 days of transplanting must be applied.
Water management
Pearl millet is predominantly a rainfed crop. Water requirement of pearl millet is 25-
35cm. It requires, on an average 14-15cm of water/ tonne of grain produced. Apply irrigation
at tillering, flowering and grain formation under irrigated conditions if rain is not received at
these stages. Drain out the excess rain water from the field. It is easy to drain water of the
pearl millet crop if sown on ridges. In comparison to direct seeded pearl millet, transplanted
pearl millet can tolerate brackish water irrigation.
Weed management
Being a rainy season crop, it suffers heavily due to weed infestation. Competition
with weeds could reduce yields by 25-50%. The important weeds of Pearl millet are: Anjan
grass (Echinochloa colonum); doob (Cynodon dactylon); motha (Cyperus rotundus); sathi
(Trianthema portucalastrum); kewal (Digitaria sanguinalis), makra (Decteloctenium
aegyptium). Do hoeing at 3-5 weeks crop stage either with kasola or wheal hand hoe. Hoeing
also helps in conserving soil moisture. To avoid the costly manual weeding, chemical weed
control is also an effective and economical method. Apply Atrazine (50WP) as the pre-
emergence @1.0 kg/ha in 600 lt water.
Disease management
Downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola): The disease starts as chlorosis generally
appearing on second leaf and subsequently on all leaves and secondary branches as well as on
the ear heads. Infected chlorotic leaves show downy growth of the fungus on the adaxial
surface. Systemically infected plants either do not produce ear heads or produce malformed
ear heads with leafy structures instead of grains; this phase is known as green ear. Later on
infected leaves become brown, shriveled and distorted. The downy mildew is favored by the
temperature range of 25-300 C with RH more than 90 per cent.
50
Ergot (Claviceps fusiformis): This is also a disease of ear heads. Ergot is easily identified by
creamy to pinkish mucilaginous droplets known as honey dew oozing out of infected florets.
It contains numerous conidia of the pathogen. These droplets dry out within 10-15 days and
these are transformed into hard, dark brown to black structures called sclerotia which are 2-3
times larger than seeds.
Rust (Puccinia penniseti): The minute, round uredosori occur in groups on both surfaces of
the leaves, leaf sheath and stem. The telia which appear later in the season are black, elliptical
and sub epidermal. In severe infection, the plants appear unhealthy and slightly stunted.
Integrated control measures
❖ Removal of sclerotia of ergot by dipping the seed in 10 % common salt solution. Then
washed the seed thoroughly with clean water to remove the salt effect.
❖ Field sanitation, crop rotation, use of clean seed, rouging of infected plants and
removing of collateral host to reduce the inoculum.
❖ In case of downy mildew, treat the seed with Apron SD-35 @ 6 g/ kg seed, which can
protect the crop for about 40 -50 days.
❖ Spray of crop with Dithane M-45 @ 0.2% at the initiation of downy mildew. Repeat
the spray if required.
❖ Application of Cuman-L or Bavistin @ 0.2% at pre- protogynae stage for the control
of ergot.
❖ Spray of Vitavax or Plantvax @ 0.2% to reduce the smut severity.
❖ Use of resistant varieties such as HHB-68, HHB-67, HC-4, HC-2 etc.
Harvesting and threshing

The grain crop should be harvested when the grains become hard enough and contain about
20% moisture. Generally 2 methods for harvesting the crop are adopted, viz. (i) cutting of
earhead first from the standing crop followed by cutting the remaining plants later, and (ii)
cutting the entire plant by sickles and staking the harvested plants for 5-6 days in sun for
drying.
51
GREENGRAM
Botanical name: Vigna radiata

Common name: moong
It is an excellent source of high quality protein (25%). The ascorbic acid (Vitamin-C) is
synthetized in sprouted seed and the amount of riboflavin and thiamine are also increased.
Classification
A classification of green gram based on:
Colour of Seed: Seeds are either green, black, brown or yellow.
Surface of Seed: Either dull or shinning.
Colour of flower: Either light yellowish olive or yellow olive.
Green gram is primarily a crop of rainy season. It is grown mainly as Kharif season crop but it
is cultivated as second crop in Rabi seasons in Andhra pradesh, Tamilnadu, Orissa and Madhya
pradesh. In West Bengal, it is grown after Aus Paddy (autumn) and after Potato (Zaid crop).
The crop can tolerate mild frost and salinity. Temperature beyond 40 oC is harmful to the crop,
while 30-35oC is the optimum. It is a short day plant requiring 12-13 hours of photoperiod for
flowering. Photoperiod above this delays reproductive phase.
52
Cropping system
Greengram is grown as a sole crop or intercropped with sorghum, pearl millet, maize,
pigeonpea and cotton during kharif season. Taking this crop as an intercrop an additional
grain yield of 0.5-0.6 t/ha may be obtained without any adverse effect on the performance of
main crop. It is grown under rainfed condition in Kharif and with residual moisture in rabi.
Field preparation
A thorough land levelling is must for quick drainage. The crop requires fine seedbed
preparation. In kharif, the land preparation involves 2-3 cross ploughings or harrowings
followed by planking. Summer greengram can be grown after harvesting of wheat crop with
minimum preparatory tillage. However, in order to obtain a good crop, a very heavy pre-
sowing irrigation may be given and the field ploughed twice with harrow to give a good tilth.

During kharif season, greengram makes luxuriant vegetative growth with lateral
spreading of branches, hence requires wider spacing than other seasons. In kharif, mungbean
is sown in rows 30-45 cm apart. The plants are thinned to a distance of 10 cm. A seed rate of
15-20 kg/ha is required. In summer seasons, the crop is sown in rows 25 cm apart with an
intra-row spacing of 5 cm. It requires 25-30 kg seed/ha. Broadcast sown crop in rice fallows
requires still higher seed rate. The seeds are sown in furrows opened by plough or line sown
using seed drill.
60
Seed treatment
Before sowing seed should be treated with Carbendazim (Bavistin) @ 2g or Captan @
3g or Thiram 80% WP @ 4g per kg of seed before sowing. Inoculation of seed with
Rhizobium culture is a must to get a bumper crop. Rhizobium culture helps in the development
of nodules on the roots which are beneficial for fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the soil.
Sowing time
Kharif greengram: In kharif, greengram sowing depends on onset of monsoon and thus it is
sown in first week of July. In any case, sowing should not be done beyond July.
Rabi greengram: Rabi mungbean sowing depend on harvest of kharif crops and are spread
from October December in central, southern and eastern parts of the country. In the states of
Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, greengram is sown in standing crop of rice, 7-10 days before harvest.
Summer/ Spring greengram: The real potential perhaps, to trigger pulse revolution lies in
the cultivation of greengram in summer. Summer cultivation enables the farmers to profitably
utilize their land and water resources, which otherwise remain mostly unused during this
period. Further, due to high temperature the activity of insect pests is minimal, and as such
the crop is almost free of damage owing to insects and yellow-mosaic virus together is the
major causes of poor yields. Short-duration, photo-insensitive varieties maturing in 60-70
days are now available for the summer season. The crop can be grown after wheat, potato,
mustard and late aman rice. The most suitable time period for summer sowing of mungbean
in the northern plains is whole month of March and this also enables the crop to be harvested
safely before the onset of the monsoon. However, for optimum yields the sowing is to be
advanced to the early part of March. Sowing time for the summer crop is:
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka: late January
Orissa and West Bengal: February
Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan: March and April
Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab: March
61
Varieties
Description of important varieties is as follows:
BR-2 Plant is semi erect. Seed is mottled green in colour. Pods are hairy and with a
maturity period of 110-115 days , this variety gives average yield of 10-12
q/ha.
CO-4 Plants of this variety are erect and compact. Average yield of this variety is
6-7 q/ha in 85 days. It is tolerant to blight, powdery mildew and root rot.
Gujarat-l This variety is suitable for Kharif sowing and plants are trailing in habit. The
average yield is 18-20 q/ha.
Gujarat-2 This variety is suitable for mixed cropping in low rainfed areasand gives
average yield of 18-20 q/ha.
Jawahar-45 Plants are semi erect with light green foliage. This variety gives average
yield of 15-20 q/ha in 75-85 days.
Kopergaon It is suitable for cultivation in summer.Average yield is 15-20 q/ha in 55-60
days.
Pusa Visal It is suitable for cultivation in both Kharif and summer season with uniform
maturity. Maturity period is 65-70 days. Average yield is 12-15 q/ha.
ML-I Plants of this variety are erect and compact with the height of 90 cm
Average yield of this variety is 10-12 q/ha in 80-85 days.
Pant Mung-I Crop maturity period is 75 days in Kharif and 65days in zaid season.
Average yield is 10-12 q/ha. It is moderately resistant to yellow mosaic
virus.
PS-7 It is suitable for cultivation in both Kharif and summer season. Plants are
erect with purple pigmented stem and broad leaves. Maturity period is 60-65
days. Average yield is 20-25 q/ha.
Sheela It is a suitable variety for cultivation in kharif season in Uttarpradesh. Plants
are tall and erect with dark green foliage. Crop gives average yield of 15-20
q/ha in 75-80 days.
PS-16 This variety is suitable tor cultivation both in summer and rainy season all
over the country. Plants are medium tall, erect with profused branching with
average yield of 10-12 q/ha.
K-8 51 This variety is recommended both for sowing in summer as well as in kharif
season. It is semi spreading with comparatively erect type of plants. It matures
in 65-70 days. 80-90 % pods mature at a time. Average yield is 8.0-10.0 q/ha.
62
Asha It is recommended for cultivation in irrigated areas during kharif season ,
plants taller than other varieties , grains medium, smooth and shiny green in
colour, resistant to yellow mosaic virus diseases, maturity duration 75-80
days, average yield 12.0-13.5 q/ha.
Muskan This variety is recommended for cultivation in kharif and summer season. It
is resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus. Its grains are medium in size, shiny
and green colour. Its pods mature at a time. The pods of this variety will
shatter if harvesting is delayed. Average yield 12.5-15.0 q/ha.
Satya Recommended for kharif season. Average yield of this variety is 16-17.5
q/ha in 70 days crop duration. It is resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus.
Greengram is generally raised on the residual fertility of soil. In case of light soils of poor
fertility, it needs addition of organic manures like FYM or compost @ 8-10 tonnes/ha. To meet
the requirement of N before start of N fixation, 15-20 kg N/ha is applied along with 40-60 kg
P2O5/ha as basal at the last ploughing. The response of crop to K fertilization is rare. Application
of 20 kg/ha each of zinc sulphate and elemental sulphur is essential for higher yields.
Water management
Irrigation is needed according to the season of cultivation. Pre-sowing irrigation is a
must to ensure adequate soil moisture for germination. Besides a pre-sowing irrigation, 3
irrigations required, the first at pre-flowering stage (20-25 days), the second at flowering (25-
40 days) and the third at grain-filling stage, are necessary. In summer season (grown after
wheat) the irrigation must be applied at 10-15 days interval depending upon situation, no
irrigation should be given after 40-45 days of sowing.
Weed management
The major weeds of greengram are Triantema monogyna (Santhi), Cyprus rotundus
(nut grass/ motha), Amaranthus viridi (Cholai), Phylanthus niruri (Hazar dana), Celosia
63
argentia (Chilmil) and Sorghum helepense (Baru). Pre- emergence application of
Pendimethalin @ 1-1.5 kg /ha in 500 litres of water ensures weed control. The herbicide
should be applied just after sowing. If the soil moisture is not sufficient in the top soil then
herbicide should not be applied.
Disease management
Cercospora leaf spot: Angular, brown or red colour spots with grey or brown centre and
radish purple border are formed on leaves, stalks and pods. Spray the crop with Blitox -50 or
Indofil M -45 @ of 1.5 to 2 .0 Kg/ha in 500 lts of water.
Yellow mosaic (Virus): The disease attacks the crop within a month of sowing seed. This is
more prevalent in Kharif season. Mild scattered yellow streeks appear on young leaves.
Yellow areas go on increasing in the new grown leaves and some of the apical leaves turn
completely yellow. The diseased plants usually mature later and bear relatively lesser number
of flowers and pods. The pods are reduced in size and mostly remain immature. But when
seeds are obtained, they are small in size. Growing resistant variety such as Satya, Muskan is
the best method for controlling this disease. The disease is transmitted by insect vector (white
fly). Remove the affected plants from the field. Control white fly by spraying 1000ml
melathion 50 EC or 625 ml dimethoate (Rogor) 30EC or Metasystox by dissolving in 625
litre of water per hactare two times at an interval of 2 weeks..
Leaf curl (Virus): It causes great damage to this crop. Chlorosis around the lateral vein near
the leaf margin in young leaf is first symptom of this disease. The affected leaves show
curling downward and the veins on the under surface of leaf show reddish brown
discoloration. The plant remained stunted by which the disease is recognized. Grow resistant
varieties and control white fly.
Harvesting
When pods are turned into black colour, two to three pickings are done.
Yield: 600 – 700 kg/ha

COTTON
Botanical name: Gossypium spp belongs to family Malvaceae
Common name: kapas
Uses:
It is one of the most important commercial crop. It is grown for fiber world over. Fibre is
used for making cloth. Fibre is used for making thread, which is used for mixing with other
synthetic fibres. The fiber is almost pure cellulose.
Classification
Desi cotton
Gossypium arboreum (29% ) (n= 13)
Gossypium herbaceum (21%) (n= 13)
American cotton
Gossypium hirsutum (50% ) (n= 26)
Gossypium barbadense (2000 ha) (n= 26)
Classification according to staple length (Mean fibre length)
(i) Superior long staple >27 mm
(ii) Long staple 24.5-26.5 mm
(iii) Superior medium staple 22-24 mm
(iv) Medium staple 19.5-21.5 mm
(v) Short staple 19 mm or less
92
Cotton requires a mean annual temperature of over 16oC and an annual rainfall of at least
50 cm distributed throughout the growing season. It can tolerate temperature as high as 43 oC but
does not do well, if it falls below 21 oC. During fruiting phase, the day temperature ranging from
27 to 32 oC and cool nights are needed. Cotton plant cannot stand frost and hence its cultivation
is restricted to an altitude of 1000 m only.
Soil requirement
Cotton is grown on variety of soils, ranking from well drained deep alluvial soils in
the north to black clayey soils of varying depth in Central zone and in the black and mixed
black and red soils in South zone. Cotton is moderately tolerant to salinity and is sensitive to
water logging and thus prefers well-drained soils.
Cropping system
In northern India many rotations of crops involving cotton are feasible. Crops like
wheat, chickpea, pea, linseed can be grown after harvest of cotton. Some of the important
rotations are: Cotton-wheat, Cotton-berseem, Cotton-chickpea, Cotton-field pea, Cotton-
linseed, Cotton-Sunflower etc. In southern India cotton-sorghum-ragi is an important crop
rotation in irrigated areas. Intercropping with ragi, other millets or groundnut is also quite
common in parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra pardesh. In northern India mixed
cropping or intercropping with sesamum, groundnut, castor, chilli, guar etc. is quite common.
93
Varieties
Variety Sowing Plant Ginning Fibre Maturity Av. Remarks

time ht. % length (Days) Yield
(mm) (q/ha)
American
HS 45 upto 15 120- 34.0 22.5 180-190 21.0 Escape from pink
May 160 boll worm.
Wheat can be
sown easily after
harvesting.
H 974 15 May- 130- 35.0 23.0 160 18.61 Resistant to
20 June 140 jassid, pink boll
worm is less
HS 6 upto 15 150- 36.0 23.6 180-185 21.63 Resistant to
May 160 jassid, pink boll
worm is less
H 1098 Mid May- 130 35.2 22.7 165 21.0 Resistant to
Ist week jassid, pink boll
of June worm is less
H 1117 Early 150- 35.5 24.1 175-185 19.18 Resistant to leaf
sown 160 blight
Desi
HD 107 Mid April- 150 38.0 16.0 180 25.0 pink boll worm is
Mid May, less, resitant to
Early white fly
maturing
DS 5 Normal 40.0 16.0 165-175 20.75 Boll after
sown opening do not
fall on ground
HD 123 Normal 150 39.2 14.7 165 22.91 Wheat can be
sown sown easily after
harvesting
AAH 1 Normal 150 38.0 18.4 190-200 25.06 Tolerant to all
(Hybrid) sowing diseases& insects
Hybrids
HHH 81 Normal 200 35.0 25.9 185 24-25 Pink boll worm
sowing is less
HHH Normal 150- 35.2 22.5 175-180 21.24 Jassid resistant
223 sowing 160
HHH Normal 34.8 27.1 160-170 22.60 Resistant to leaf
287 sowing blight
The most popular Bt cotton varieties are RCH 134, RCH 314, RCH 317, Ankur651, MRC
7031 and Tulsi 4.
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Field preparation
Pre-sowing irrigation is undertaken after harvest of wheat. The field is ploughed with
tractor-drawn implements and leveled and planked before sowing. In Central and South
zones, where cotton is a rainfed crop, deep ploughing is recommended to remove weeds. The
field is prepared by repeated ploughing and harvesting with the onset of pre-monsoon rains.
Crop is recommended to row ridges and furrows in dry lands for moisture conservation a nd
weed management. In the red soils of South Zone, having poor moisture retention, field is
given 2-3 harrowings followed by shallow ploughing and sowing is done on ridges. The
availability of herbicides for weed control has opened up options for reduced tillage and
residue management, which are more energy efficient and have an ameliorative effect on soil
quality.
Sowing method
Row sowing: Sowing is done in rows as per recommendation of different cotton growing
zones with the bullock drawn plough or seed drill in rows and the plant to plant spacing is
maintained by thinning.
Square planting: In this system, uniform spacing between and within the rows is maintained.
For planting in this system, two typed harrow is moved along and across the field and the
seeds are dibbled on cross points. In this system plants get equal space for growth and
development. Interculture is done along and across the rows.
Paired row planting: The plant population and the number of rows are equal in the normal
and paired row planting. In case of paired row, distance between every two rows is reduced
and thereby the space between the two pairs of rows becomes more than the normal spacing.
This wider spacing, between the two pairs, helps in better aeration and light resulting in better
fruiting also. It also helps in easy intercultural operation and other operations. In this planting
intercropping with the early maturing and short statured legume like green gram, black gram
etc. can be practiced.
Skip row planting: In this system after every two, three or four rows, one or two rows are
not planted but the plants of such rows are adjusted in the other planted rows, thus
maintaining the desired plant population. This planting is useful to have inter crops that help
ease in operation particularly in tall growing varieties.
Spacing
In Haryana for timely sown cotton spacing of 67.5 cm x 30 cm, 4-5 cm seeding depth
and plant population of 50,000 plants/ha is recommended but under late sown condition plant
to plant spacing should be reduced and a plant population of 67,000-70,000 plants/ha (25%
more) is required.
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Sowing time
The sowing time for cotton varies considerably in different cotton growing zones.
Zone Optimum sowing time

Irrigated Rainfed
North Zone (Punjab 15th April – 30 Bhiwani, Mahendergarh, Sirsa where sandy
Haryana, Rajasthan) June soil, sowing must be done in Ist fortnight of
April to avoid sand deposits on plants.
Seed treatment
Acid delinting: The process of removing the fuzz from the cotton seed by treating with
conc. H2SO4 is known as acid delinting.
Fuzziness
High Medium Low
For 1 Kg seed conc. H2SO4 100 80 70
Time for mixing (minutes) 12 8 6
Lime requirement (g) 20 20 20
Minimum time for drying (Hrs.) 4 4 4
Wash the seeds with water 3-4 times and then with lime water and fresh water and dry
the seeds under sun. Treat the seed with following chemicals from 2 hrs before sowing for
early and good germination along with healthy plants and better root proliferation. Treat the
6-8 kg acid delinted cotton seed with emisan 5 g, streptocyclin 1 g, succinic acid 1 g
dissolved in 10 litre of water. For termite control 10 ml chloripyriphos + 10 ml water/kg seed
be treated. For control of root rot 2 g Bavistin/kg seed be mixed.
Seed rate
Variety Acid delinted Non delinted

seed (Kg/ha) seed (Kg/ha)
American varieties 15-20 20-25
Bt Cotton hybrids 2.125 -
American hybrids 3-3.750 4.375
Desi varieties 12.5 Kg 15
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Zone American Hybrid Desi

North 87.5 kgN+30 kg 175 kgN+60 kg 50 kgN+10 kg
P2O5+10 kg P2O5+60 kg K2O+10 ZnSO4 /ha
ZnSO4/ha kg ZnSO4/ha
Central & South NPK 40-20-20 180-60-60 kg/ha
Time of application: In varieties, add full amount of P2O5 and ZnSO4 at sowing. ½ N at square
formation (July end) + ½ N at flowering. In hybrids, add full amount of P2O5 and ZnSO4 at
sowing. 1/3 N at sowing + 1/3 N at square formation (July end) + 1/3 N at flowering. Seed and
soil treatment with Azosprillium.
Water management
Depending upon the location, soil type, climate and crop growth period, cotton needs
700-1200 mm of water to meet its water requirement. The requirement is low during first 60-
70 days after sowing and highest during flowering and boll development. The first irrigation
be delayed at least 40-50 days for better root development and to avoid excess growth. In
general 3-4 irrigations are needed. Cotton is commonly flood irrigated, although irrigation by
furrow method in more effective in water saving. Drip irrigation is becoming popular,
particularly in hybrids in Central and South zones. On sandy-loam soils of North Zone, 3-5
irrigations are sufficient. In red sandy-loam soils of Tamil Nadu with low water holding
capacity, 4-13 irrigations are necessary. Moisture stress at flowering and fruiting results in
shedding of flowers and bolls and thereby reduce the yield. Last irrigation should be applied
at 1/3 rd opening of bolls.
Use of hormones
(A) Nephthalin acetic acid (NAA): Two spray of NAA should be done. First spray should
be done @ 125 ml/ha at the time of flowering (2nd and 3rd week of August) and second
spray @175 ml/ha after 20 days of 1st spray. This will help in reducing flower rotting and
boll drop.
(B) Cycocil: To avoid excessive growth of American cotton, apply 80 ml cycocil / ha in
800 lt of water at square formation.
Picking
American cotton : In the month of October
Desi cotton : In the 3rd week of September
Picking should be done at 8-10 days interval.
Weed management
Cotton is susceptible to weed competition from sowing to complete canopy cover.
Cotton yields are reduced by 50-85% with unchecked weed growth or their ineffective
97
control. Weeds must be removed mechanically 2-3 times as per requirement. First weeding
should be done before first irrigation. For chemical control of weeds spray Stomp @ 5 lt/ha in
600 lt of water just after sowing. This will control Trianthema (Santhi) and Echinochloa sp.
or before germination carry out dry hoeing followed by spray of Diuron @ 500 g/ha in 600 lt
of water. Or 40-45 days after sowing carry out dry hoeing followed by spray of Stomp @ 3
lt/ha in 600 lt of water and apply irrigation. This will also take care of annual weeds.
Disease management
Angular leaf spot (Xanthomonas axanopodis pv. malvacearum): The bacterium attacks all
the above ground plant parts, causing various types of symptoms. The disease may appear
from the seedling rot to boll rot. On the leaves water-soaked lesions first appear that become
angular, bound by vein lets and turn dark brown to black. The spot size may vary from 1-5
mm in size and often several spots may coalesce to form irregular black patches resulting in
withering and drying of leaves. The infection may spread along the bigger veins and veinlet
of the leaves and causes vein blight symptoms.
Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum): The disease affects the plant at all stages of
growth. There is drooping of leaves starting from the oldest leaves at the base and wilt
proceeding upward. Defoliation and discoloration of stem may also be seen.Vascular bundles
are filled with fungal hyphae.
Root Rot (Rhizoctonia bataticola): The disease spreads in the field in circles. If the affected
plants are pulled out and examined, the entire root system shows rotting and decaying. In
severe infection tap root remains attached to the plant and remaining root system (lateral and
thinner roots) decays completely. The woody portions may become black and brittle, Often
fungal sclerotia appear as minute black dots on the surface of the of the woody tissue and on
the rotting bark.
Leaf Curl (Cotton Leaf Curl Virus CLCV): The disease causes thickening of small veins,
accompanied by up word cupping and curling of the leaves and formation of enations on the
lower surface of the leaves. The internodal length is reduced and plants remains stunted. The
height of the plant is greatly reduced, there is smalling of leaves and fruiting bodies and plant
look bunchy.
Integrated disease management

1. Seed treatment with Emisan-6 (5 g) and Streptocycline (1g) in ten liters water. This
solution is sufficient for 5-8 kg seed and controls both internal and external seed borne
infection.
2. In areas where root rot is problem, treat the seed with Bavistin @ 2.5 g/kg seed just
before sowing.
3. For angular leaf spot, spray the crop with Streptocycline (15-20 g/ha) alternating with
copper oxychloride i.e. Blitox (1.5-2.0 kg/ha) from last week of June or beginning of July
98
at 15 days interval. For better retention of fungicide on plant surface mix 10 g Selwett or
Triton per 100 litres of fungicidal solution.
4. Follow crop rotation atleast for 3 years in areas where root rot is a problem.
5. Adjust sowing date so that the temp. of soil should not be high. Sowing of mung bean/
moth in alternating rows of cotton is helpful in checking the root rot.
6. Destroy the plant disease debris after harvest of the crop and give one deep ploughing in
the month of June- July which will reduce the root rot inoculum.
7. Application of FYM increases the growth of antagonistic organism.
8. Desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) have high degree of resistance to leaf curl.
9. Rouge out the leaf curl infected plants in the initial stage to prevent secondary spread of
the disease.
10. Timely spraying of Ethion 50 EC@ 1.2 litre/ha or other systemic insecticide to control the
white fly as vector to control the spread of leaf curl virus.
11. Spray the crop with Dithane M-45 @ 0.2% for the control of leaf spot diseases.
Insect management
Termites: At the seedling stage termites cut the plants from the ground level. For control,
don’t use green manure or raw farm yard manure as these encourage the termite infestation.
Remove the stubbles of the previous crop from the field which attract the termites. Use
chloripyriphos @ 5 liter per hactare in the standing crop along with irrigation. Seed treatment
with chlorpyriphos @10 ml chlorpyriphos+10 ml water per kg seed.
Leaf Hopper (Amrasca biguttula): The attacked leaves turn pale and then rusted red and
leaves may turn to cup shape (down side) and dry up. For control spray the crop with 750 ml
dimethoate (Rogor) 30 EC or 900 ml oxydemeton-methyl (Metasystox) 25 EC or formothion
(Anthio) 25 EC or 100 ml imidacloprid (Confidor) 200 SL or 100 g thiomethoxm ( Aktara)
25 WG in 300-350 liter of water per hactare
Cotton White Fly (Bemisia tabaci): The insect damage during August- September in cotton
and more population has been noticed in dry weather conditions. Damage is done by sucking
the cell sap from the leaves resulting the loss of vitality of the plant. Cotton white fly also
transmit the cotton leaf curl virus and the veins of diseased leaves got thickened and later on
leaves becomes cup shaped (upside) and another leaf is emerged from the leaf. Control same
as lear hopper.
Spotted bollworm (Earias insulana): During the reproductive stage, larvae borer in to the
flower buds, flowers and green bolls consequently shedding of the fruiting
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bodies takes place. The attacked bolls are tunneled and blocked with excreta.
For control destroy the alternative host plants mentioned under host range as these serves
food source and also pests complete the life cycle in the absence of cotton crop and re infest
the cotton in the ensuing crop season. Avoid the intercropping of okra with cotton, as the
insect pests of cotton and okra are similar thus the okra crop serves the source of infestation.
Avoid taking the ratoon crop because the insect-pests build up on rattoon crop a bit early and
later on migrate to main crop (cotton). If there is infestation by spotted bollworm at vegetative
stage, go for de topping of the infested growing vegetative shoots to manage the buildup of
the pest population. For the control of spotted bollworm spray 2.5 litrer neem
(Achook/Nimbecidin) or 1.5 litre carbaryl (Sevin/Carbavin/Hexavin) 50WP or fenitrothion
(Folithion//Sumithion/Ekathion) 50EC or quinalphos (Ekalax) 25EC or lindane (Kanodane)
20EC or profenophos (Curacron) 50EC in 350-400 liter of water per hactare.
Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella): Larval stage damages the buds, flower and bolls.
Soon after emergence, the larvae enter the flower buds, flowers and the bolls. Entry hole is
closed down and larvae continue its feeding inside the bolls. The attacked bolls fall off
prematurely. For management, Remove previous year’s refuge of cotton crop. Destroy the
off-season cotton sprouts; alternative host plants and burn the plant debris from cotton fields
to minimize incidence of insect pest. Deep ploughing of the fields in the end of February is
also helpful in reducing the carryover of the pest. Spray the crop with insecticides suggested
for the control of spotted bollworms.
American Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera): The newly hatched larva initiates feeding on
the buds, squares, flowers and bolls of the cotton crop. The larvae make a circular hole on the
fruiting bodies and as the larvae grow up half of the larval body remain outside and release the
fical material outside. Fully damaged fruiting body shed down. During early season the larvae
may also be noticed feeding on the succulent leaves. For management, destroy the weeds,
which serves as the alternative host for the cotton bollworm. Encourage intercropping of
cotton with bajra so that natural enemies of American bollworm may build up on intercrop
which finally may take care of the pest. Deep summer ploughing to expose pupae to sunlight
so that these may be killed due to desiccation as well as may be picked up the birds. Use
recommended dose of fertilizers as the excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizer encourages the
pest infestation. Spray 2.5-3.0 litre chloripyriphos 20 EC or quinalphos25EC or carbaryl
50WP or 1.5-2.0 litre ml triazophos in 500-600 liter of water per hactare.
Cotton semi-looper (Anomis flava): Young semi-looper feeds on leaves making small holes
while grown up larvae feed on leaf lamina. Spraying of insecticides for spotted bollworm will
also control the semi-looprers.
Aphid (Aphis gossypii): Adults are pale green while nymphs are of green color. Nymphs and
adults of aphid cause damage by sucking the cell sap from twigs and leaves. Aphids also
secrete the honeydew, which covers the dorsal surface of the leaves and on the leaves.
Management practices under taken for sap-sucking pests would also take care of this pest also.
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Cotton Grey Weevil (Myllocerus undecimpustulatus): Weevils are of grey Colour while
grubs are white and legless. The pest remains active in cotton eco-system from April to
October-November. The grubs feed on the roots while the adults feed on leaves, buds and
flowers. Nibbling of the leaves, flowers and buds take place from the margins. Management
Harvesting
Cotton from fully opened bolls should be collected during cooler times of the day.
The cleaned cotton is to be graded and stored in heaps or in gunny boras in dry and well ventilated
godowns.
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COWPEA
Botanical name: Vigna unguiculata
Common name: Lobia/ black eye pea
Nutritive aspect:
The crude protein content in cowpea fodder ranges between 16- 21%. The nutritive value of
fresh biomass of cowpea (dry matter basis) is 12.5% digestible crude protein (DCP), 62.0%
total digestible nutrients (TDN), 2.7 M cal/kg of digestible energy (DE) and 2.2 Mcal/ kg
Metabolizable Energy (ME).
Soil requirement
Cowpea is adapted to wider types of soils ranging from sandy to clays, but deep, well
drained, fertile and neutral soils are ideal. Cowpea is moderately susceptible to soil salinity,
resistant to drought, acidity and moderate levels of shade.
Field preparation
The crop performs well even with moderate seedbed preparation that can be achieved
by one ploughing. In intercropping situations, the seedbed preparation of main cereal crop is
sufficient for cowpea.

During kharif, the crop is sown after receipt of monsoon rains in June-July, while in
rabi from September-January and in summer from February-April. Cowpea needs a seed rate
of 40 kg/ha (line-sown), 50 kg/ha (broadcast sown) and 25-30 kg/ha (seed production
purpose). For fodder production, a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm with a 3.33 lakh plants/ha is
optimum. Seed rate for intercropping with cereal forages depends on row proportion and
varies from 15-20 kg/ha. A sowing depth of 3-5 cm is the optimum for seedling emergence.
110
Varieties
FOS 1: It is spreading in nature and forms long thick vines. The leaves and pods are broad
and light green in colour. It has bold seeds of buff colour with dark speacks on it. It gives
fodder yield 250 q/ha.
HFC 42-1: It is erect growing variety, having dark-green leaves. Its grains are small and
white in colour. April sown crop gives two cuttings. It is recommended for sowing as a mixed
crop with sorghum and pearl millet. It gives fodder yield of 325-350 q/ha green fodder.
CS 88: It is erect growing variety, having dark-green leaves broad in size. It is free from
diseases and yellow vein mosaic. It is suitable for summer and kharif seasons. It is ready for
fodder harvesting in 55-60 days after sowing. For seed, it should be sown from middle of July
to first week of August. It gives fodder yield of 400-475 q/ha.
GFC-2: Plant height is 140 cm with trailing growth habit. It has 42% leafiness with dark
green and smooth leaves. It takes 65 days up to 50% flowing. Pods are dark green in colour.
Grains 5-7 mm long with brown colour. Protein content varies from 14-19%. The variety is
capable of giving more than one cut. Green fodder yield is 270-350 q/ha.
GFC-4: Plant height is 197 cm with trailing growth habit. It has 56% leafiness with dark
green and smooth leaves. It takes 70 days to 50% flowering. Pods are dark green in colour
and grains are 6-8 mm long having buff colour. Protein content varies from 17.5-19.5%.It is
capable of giving more than one cut. Green fodder yield is 290-350 q/ha.
S-450 (Kohinoor): A selection from the material obtained from Iran. Adapted for parts of
Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Plant height 55-70 cm, decumbent growth habit,
stem and foliage green. Pods are green and grains are bold and red in colour. It takes 70 days
to 50% flowering. Tolerant to semi-looper, flee beetle and leaf hopper. Susceptible to grain
pests during storage. Green and dry fodder yield is 450 and 60 q/ha, respectively.
Cropping system
Important cropping systems involving cowpea include jowar + cowpea- berseem-
maize + cowpea, maize-oat-maize + cowpea, maize- berseem- maize + cowpea etc.
Application of FYM @ 10t/ha at last ploughing along with 20 kg N and 40 kg P2O5
/ha is sufficient for raising successful crop. However, seed treatment with Rhizobium and
111
phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) has been
found useful in P nutrition of the crop.
Weed management
The critical period of weed competition is between 20-40 days after emergence of
crop. One hand weeding 20-30 days after sowing almost nullifies the weeds impact on crop
yield. Use of Trifluralin @ 0.5 kg/ha (pre-plant incorporation) in sole cowpea and Alachlor
@ 1 kg/ha in maize + cowpea mixed cropping has been found to provide satisfactory weed
control.
Water management
Cowpea is a deep-rooted crop, and therefore can extract moisture from deeper layers
of soil. It usually does not require irrigation in kharif. However, at times of monsoon failure,
a life saving irrigation is advantageous.
Diseases Management
Root rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) and Collar rot (Rhizoctina, Pythium, Phytopthora
spp.): The root rot appears as water soaked lesions on rootlets that finally enlarge to kill the
root system. The pathogen survives with seed and in soil with plant debris that serves as
primary source of infection. The collar rot is caused by the Rhizoctina complex attacks the
collar region leading to death of the plant. Seed treatment with Agrosan / Ceresan / Thiram @
3g/ kg seed, cultivation of resistant varieties coupled with crop rotation are useful in its
management to certain extent.
Mosaic virus disease: It is a serious seed borne disease of cowpea. The symptoms appear as
chlorotic patches on cotyledons, that later cover entire foliage. The secondary infection
spreads through aphids.
Insect management
Jassids (Empoasca kerri): Affected leaves turn yellow and fall off. Spray 0.03%
Monocrotofos or Phosphamidon is effective. It is also controlled by spray of 200 ml of
Malathion 50 EC in 200 litres of water per acre. If the crop is grown for fodder, do not feed
the treated crop to cattle within one week of spraying.
Flea/Galerucid beetle (Madurasia obscurella): The beetle feeds on leaves, buds and flowers.
Severe attack can cause defoliation. Apply phorate 10 G kg/ha at sowing along with early
sowing to avoid pest attack.
112
Harvesting
Generally, cowpea is harvested in 70 to 75 days. Crop should be harvested at the time of 50% flowering
stage or the initiation of pod formation. Delayed harvesting will decrease crude protein and increase
crude fiber content. So harvest the crop at proper time. For obtaining two cuts of cowpea, first cut is to
be harvested at 50-55 days and second cut at 50% flowering or harvest at 40-45 days after first cut. In
two cutting management, harvest first cut by keeping 15 cm. stem height from the ground level.
Any insecticide should not be sprayed one month before the harvesting of green forage.
113
CLUSTERBEAN
Botanical name: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba

Common name: Guar
Nutritive aspect:
The fodder of clusterbean as well as its grain is quite nutritive, rich in protein, fat and
minerals. The crude protein and crude fibre content varies from 15-18% and 25-30%,
respectively.
Clusterbean can be raised successfully in areas where average rainfall is 30-40 cm. It
is cultivated mostly as rainfed crop in semi-arid zones of northern India. It is a photosensitive
crop. It comes into flowering and fruiting when grown in kharif season only.25-300C
temperature is congenial for better germination.
Soil requirement
It grows well on well-drained alluvial to light sandy loams. It cannot tolerate
waterlogging. Soils with pH 7.0-8.5 are ideal. Soil salinity decreases germination drastically.
Sowing time
It is predominantly a rainfed crop sown after receipt of first monsoon in June-July.
Sowing of early maturing varieties for seed purpose should be done in the second fortnight of
June, while for late maturing varieties, the optimum sowing time is mid-July. Fodder
clusterbean crop under irrigated conditions of north can be sown in summer (March-July).
Early sowing results in luxuriant growth under irrigated conditions.
Seed rate and method of sowing

A seed rate of 12.5-20 kg/ha for seed purpose and 35-40 kg/ha is sufficient fodder
purpose crop. The seeds are sown in 30 - 45 x 15 cm spacing with a seeding depth of 4-6 cm.
The seed should be sown by kera under irrigated conditions and by pora in the dry farming
areas.
114
Seed Treatment
The seed should be treated with specific Rhizobium culture available for this crop. To
escape the crop from diseases dip 6 kg seed in a solution of 6 litre of water with 6g
streptocyclin for 1-2 hours.
Varieties
HG75:Plants of this variety are dwarf, branched having good quality of gum. It gives average
seed yield of 17-20 q/ha in crop duration of 110-115 days.
HG 365 : It is a early maturing variety , which takes 85-100 days for maturity. Average yield
is 16-18 q/ha. Gum percentage in seed is 30. It is best suited for clusterbean-raya crop
rotation.
HG 563: It is a early maturing variety , which takes 85-100 days for maturity. Leaves are
dark green in colour and pod setting stats from first internode on stem. It gives average seed
yield of 18-20 q/ha.
FS-277: It is single stem variety with dark green and broad leaves. It is non-shattering variety
susceptible to bacterial blight. It is tolerant to drought and Alternaria leaf spot. It yields 275-
300 q/ha green fodder.
HFG-119: A drought tolerant, non-shattering and Alternaria blight resistant variety with
green fodder yield of 300 q/ha.
HFG 156: It is tall and branches with the pubescent leaves and serrated leaf margin. It
becomes ready for fodder in 70 days after sowing. It is moderately resistant to bacterial blight.
On an average, it out yields HFG 119 in both green and dry fodder production by the margin
of 10 and 15% respectively. It gives 325-350 q/ha green fodder yield on an average.
Guara-80: Developed from a cross between FS 277 x No. 119, and released for Punjab and
Haryana. It is resistant to bacterial blight, alternaria leaf spot and stem breakage. Green
fodder yield 20-30 t/ha.
Cropping system
Clusterbean is usually grown in rotation with raya, chickpea and wheat as pure crop
for grain purpose. Guar is grown for fodder as sole crop. For year round fodder production, it
is also intercropped with napier bajra hybrid. Its intercropping with bajra is most common in
Rajasthan. Important rotations for fodder purpose are
Clusterbean- berseem- maize+ cowpea
Sorghum- clusterbean- berseem- maize+ cowpea
Pearlmilelt- clusterbean- berseem
115
Apply about 10 tonnes FYM or compost per hectare at the time of sowing. A starter
dose of 20 kg N and 50 kg P 2 O5/ha should be applied at the time of sowing. All the fertilizers
should be applied at the time of sowing in furrows 4-5 cm below the seed.
Water management
Clusterbean is predominantly a rainfed kharif crop and does not require any irrigation.
However, if the rains are not normal and timely, one or two irrigations may be required. For a
summer crop, 4-5 irrigations at 12-15 days interval is required.
Weed management
During kharif season, two weedings are carried out to control the weeds at 20-40 days
of plant growth. Pre-plant application of Basalin @2 litre per hectare in 625 litre water control
the weeds effectively.
Disease management
Bacterial blight (Xanthomonas cyamopsidis Pv. Cyamopsidis): The disease appears as small
water-soaked lesions, which later become necrotic on leaves, and may also appear on flower
and pods. It is a seed borne disease. Seed treatment with hot water at 50 oC for 10 minutes
controls the disease. At the appearance of disease or at 8 weeks after sowing spray the crop
with 75 g streptocyclin and 500 g copperoxicloride in 500 litre of water to save the crop from
this disease. If needed repeat spray after 15-20 days.
Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria cyamopsidis): Dark brown round to irregular spots varying
from 2 to 10 mm in diameter, appear mainly on leaf blades. In severe infection, several spots
merge together and the leaflets become chlorotic and usually drop off. Spray Dithane Z 78
(0.2%) at an interval of 15 days is used to control.
Anthracnose (Collectotrichum capsici f. cyamopsicola): The disease appears as black spots

on leaves petiole, and stem are seen during rainy season. Spray Dithane Z 78 (0.2%) at an
interval of 15 days is effective in its control.
Insect management
Generally this crop is not affected by insects but sometimes aphid causes damage to
the crop. To control aphid spray 500 ml malation 50 EC in 500 litre of water per hectare.
Harvesting: The crop is ready for harvest in between flowering to pod initiation stage corresponding
to 60 to 70 days from sowing.
Yield: Green forage: 200 to 300 q/ha

WHEAT
Botanical name: Triticum aestivum

Common name: Gehun/Kanak
Nutritive aspects:
It contains more proteins (10-12%) than other cereals. Wheat has a relatively high content of
niacin and thiamine.
Wheat is a winter season/rabi crop. The sowing is done in autumn and harvesting in
summer. The high temperature at both ends of the crop season determine the duration
available for cultivation, which ranges from 100 days in south to more than 145 days in north-
western plains and 180 days in the hills. The best wheats are produced in areas favored with
cool, moist weather during the major portion of the growing period followed by dry, warm
weather to enable the grain to ripen properly. The optimum temperature range for ideal
germination of wheat seed is 20 to 25 0C though the seeds can germinate in the temperature
range of 3.5-350C.
During the heading and flowering stages, excessively high or low temperature and
drought are harmful to wheat crop. The temperature conditions at the time of grain filling and
development are very crucial for yield. Temperature above 25 oC during this period tends to
depress grain weight. Early seeding severely restricts tillering capability, crop duration and
yield
11
7 117
Sowing time
Normally wheat is sown when the average daily temperatures fall to around 22-23°C,
which happens only in November in most wheat-growing areas. Sowing wheat while the
temperatures are high (around 25°C) results in poor germination reduced tillering and early
onset of flowering, thereby exposing the floral parts to cold damage. All these factors depress
the crop yields. Only few varieties, viz. C 306 and WH 533 are suitable for sowing in the end
of October to Ist week of November, which makes these suitable for rainfed conditions where
seeding is done early.
Under irrigated conditions, the first fortnight of November is considered the optimum
time for sowing the medium and long-duration varieties, which are capable of producing the
highest possible yield.
Seed rate
medium sized grains varieties- 100 kg/ha is recommended.
bold seeded varieties- 125 kg/ha
late-sown varieties- 25% higher seed rate is required ,i.e., 125-150 kg/ha
Method of sowing
In Paddy - wheat rotation areas the sowing of wheat should be done with the help of
zero till seed- cum -fertilizer drill. The seed of semi-dwarf varieties should be placed at
seeding depth of 4 to 5cm depth, since they have a short coleoptile, but that of the tall types
can be placed up to a depth of 6 to 7 cm. In rainfed conditions seed is placed deeper, and after
sowing, the furrows are left open. Rainfed wheat is sown at relatively wide spacing of about
25 to 30 cm between the rows. Some farmers sow the crop by broadcasting seeds in the well-
prepared fields followed by harrowing. This is an
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undesirable practice since seed cannot be spread uniformly, and get placed at variable depths
resulting in erratic crop stand. However, in case this method has to be adopted under certain
constraints then seed rate should be increased by 25% and moisture availability ensured in
top-soil level.
Varieties
Early Sowing, Medium Fertility and Restricted Irrigated Conditions
C 306: This is a most drought tolerant variety of wheat. This is suitable for early sowing (i.e.
last week of October to 1st week of November). This is a tall variety (135 cm) and has high
tillering capacity. It has white and hairy ears on maturity. It has high early growth vigour and
medium late in maturity (150 days). Due to its tall stature and weak stem, it is susceptible to
lodging. It has excellent chapati making quality and its grains are hard, amber and medium in
size. This variety yields about 25q/ha without irrigation.
WH 1025: It is recommended for early sowing, low fertility and low irrigated areas. Medium
in height (105 cm), lodging resistant. Grains are medium in size, amber coloured and hard. Its
chapatti making quality is very good. It is resistant to rust. Average yield is 27.5 q/ha.
WH 1080: It is recommended for rainfed and restricted irrigation areas. The plant has average
height of 86 cm. The stem is hard and lodging resistant. The grains are of medium size, hard
with amber colour. It can tolerate the drought conditions very well. It gives average yield of
30.8 q/ha with crop duration of 151 days.
Timely Sowing, Medium Fertility and Restricted Irrigated Conditions
WH 147: It is a dwarf variety with fast growing habit, good tillering capacity, and compact
plant type with broad and erect leaves. The flag leaf is prominent. Its earhead is thick at the
top. This variety is about one week early in heading and maturity. Hence, it can escape high
temperature at the time of maturity of crop. The average yield is 50 q/ha. It has resistance to
brown rust but susceptible to yellow rust and powdery mildew. Therefore, its cultivation
should be avoided in humid climate areas. The last irrigation should be light and done when
winds are not blowing to avoid lodging.
Timely Sowing, High Fertility and Irrigated Conditions
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WH 283: It is a dwarf variety with an average height of about 104 cm. The tillering is fairly
good and the foliage is dark green and drooping. Its grains are bold; shining and amber. The
bread and chapati making quality is very good. It is highly resistant to leaf rust and has good
field resistance to Karnal bunt. The average yield of this variety is 50 q/ha.
UP 2338: It is a dwarf variety with an average height of about 100 cm. Its grains are bold and
amber. Moderately resistant to brown rust. Average yield is 57.5 q/ha.
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Timely Sowing under Salinity and Alkalinity Conditions
KRL 213: Timely sown, irrigated- saline and alkaline conditions. Semi-dwarf and maturing
in 145 days giving about 33.57 q/ha grain yield. Grains are medium, semi-hard and amber in
colour. It has high level of resistance against rust diseases. Good for chapatti making quality.
It is better to apply fertilizer on soil test basis. Under irrigated conditions for dwarf
varieties of wheat, 150 kgN+60 kg P2O5+60 Kg K2O + 25 Kg ZnSO4/ha is recommended. While
for tall/desi variety 60 kg N+30 kg P2O5+30 Kg K2O/ha is recommended under irrigated
conditions. Half nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus, potash and zinc should be drilled at the
time of sowing. Remaining half nitrogen should be applied after first irrigation. If the zinc is
not applied at the time of sowing then spray twice 0.5% zinc sulphate + 2.5% urea at 45 and 60
days after sowing.
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Under rainfed conditions 30 kg N+15 Kg P 2O 5/ha is recommended. In case of light
/soils, nitrogen can be splitted at three times instead of two times. In light soils, if the
deficiency of nitrogen is observed then spray 3% urea at tillering stage.
Irrigation management
Generally 5-6 irrigations are sufficient for wheat. The first irrigation is applied 22 DAS
which is known as Crown Root Initiation stage. Irrigation at CRI is a must in wheat. The following
schedule should be followed for wheat when it comes to irrigation:
No. of irrigations Irrigation application stage (DAS)
available
2 CRI (22), heading (85)
3 CRI (22), jointing (65), milking (105)
4 CRI (22), tillering (45), heading (85), milking (105)
5 CRI (22), tillering (45), heading (65), milking (105), dough (120)
6 CRI (22), Tillering (45), jointing (65), heading (85), milking (105),
dough (120)
Weed management
Weeds reduce the grain yield of wheat by10 to 80% depending upon intensity and
type of weed flora under different cropping systems. The major weeds are:
(A) Grassy weeds: Phalaris minor, Avena fatua, Polypogon monspliensis
and Poa annua
(B) Broadleaf weeds: Chenopodium album, Rumex dentatus, Melilotus indica, Medicago
denticulata, Anagallis arvensis, Vicia sativa , Lathyrus aphaca, Malva parviflora,
Chenopodium murale, Convolvulus arvensis, Coronopus didymus, Fumaria parviflora,
Cirsium arvense and others.
Integration of cultural, mechanical and chemical methods give good control of weeds
in wheat. Crop rotation with pulses, oilseeds and fodder crop and hoeing after 35-40 DAS
gives good control of weeds.
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Chemical control of weeds in wheat
Time of
Sr. Dose
Weeds Herbicide application
No. (g/ha)
(DAS)
1 Broadleaf weeds 2,4-D Na salt (80% WP) or 625 30-35
2,4-D Ester (34.6% EC) 750 30-35
2 Hardy broadleaf 2,4-D Na (80% WP) or 1250 30-35
weeds (R. dentatus, C. 2,4-D E (34.6% EC) 1500 30-35
arvensis, C. arvense
and L. aphaca)
3 Broadleaf weeds and Metsulfuron-methyl 20 30-35
Asphodelus tenuifolius, (Algrip, 20% WP)
Carfentrazone-ethyl 50 30-35
(Aim 40 % DF)
4 Grassy weeds Isoproturon 50% WP (Delron, 2000 30-35
Tolkan, Taurus, Greminan,
Hilproturon.
6 Pluchea lanceolata Glyphosate (Round up, Glycel 2.0% Spray after
41 % SL) or Solution wheat
harvest at
peak growth
of Weed
Glyphosate + surfactant or 1.0% + ---do-
0.1%
2,4-D E (34.6% EC) 3000 ---do-
7 Complex weed flora Isoproturon (75% WP) + 2,4-D 900 + 650 30-35
(grassy + broad leaf Na (80% WP) or
weeds) Isoproturon + metsulfuron 900 + 15 30-35
Total (SSN + MTS) 40 30-35
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Precaution should be taken that Isoproturon has been found to cause phytotoxicity in
wheat CV. WH-157 and DWL 5023. 2,4-D should not be used under mixed cropping where
gram, raya or any other broadleaf crop has been grown with wheat. It should also not be used
in wheat varieties viz. WH 283, HD 2009, Raj 3077, WH 416 and Sonak.
Aim is very effective against Malva parviflora, Convolvulus arvensis and Rumex dentatus.
Delayed application may lower its efficacy against Chenopodium album, Melilotus indica,
Medicago denticulata and Anagallis arvensis.
Chemical control of weeds in Isoproturon resistance affected areas

Herbicide Common Dose Weeds controlled
name (g/ha)
Sulfosulfuron 75% Leader, SF-10 32.5 + 1250 ml Avena fatua, P. minor
WP and Safal -75 Surfactant and 30-45 % control of
(0.25%) broadleaf weeds
Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl Puma Power 1000 + S (Puma Avena ludoviciana and
activator 0.1%) Phalaris minor
Sulfosulfuron+ Total 40 + S (0.25%) Grassy and broad leaf weeds
metsulfuron (R.M.) both
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For complex weed flora (grassy and broadleaf weeds) where clodinafop or
fenoxaprop are used; sequential application of 2,4-D, one week after the application of grassy
herbicides provides good control of most of the weed flora.
Diseases management
Black rust or stem rust (Puccinia graminis tritici): Disease starts as dark reddish brown
elongated pustules without yellowingon leaves, leaf sheaths, stems and ear heads. The
fringed epidermis covering the pustule later ruptures, revealing powdery mass of brick red
coloured uredospores on the stem. Later in the season rusty coloured pustules turn black and
telia are formed which produce teleutospores.
Yellow rust or stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis): This disease occurs in cold climatic
conditions (mostly in North India). The symptom are the formation of yellow stripes which
become clearer in adult plants. Later on these stripes turn black when teleutospores are
formed. The infection also occurs on leaves, leaf sheath, stem, glumes, awns and also some
times on kernels. Foliar sprays with Zineb (Dithane Z-78) or Mencozeb (Dithane M-45) @
2kg/ha in 600 litre of water.
Loose smut [Ustilago segatum var. tritici (Syn.= U. tritici)]: Normally, infected ear heads
emerges earlier than the healthy ones. In the infected plants, the ears are transformed into a
black powdery mass consisting of smut spores, initially covered by a delicate papery
membrane which ruptures and exposes the spores. Subsequently these spores are dislodged
by the wind leaving behind the naked rachis. For control, Solar heat treatment- Soak the seeds
in water for four hours in the morning and spread the seed in the noon for drying during the
months of May – June, and seed treatment with Vitavax or Carbendazim (Bavistin) @ 2g or
Tebuconazol (Raxil-2DS) @ 1g per kg seed is quite effective.
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Ear Cockle (Mamni) and Yellow ear rot (Tundu) (Anguina tritici and Rathyi bacter):
Diseased plants have spreading tendency and swollen base, leaves become crinckled and
twisted. Earheads contain dark brown, hard and roundish galls (Mamni) instead of grains.For
Control: Before sowing of seed, put wheat seed in water and agitate vigorously for few
minutes. Ear cockle galls will float to the surface. These may be skimmed off with an
ordinary sieve and brunt.
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Insect management
Termites (Microtermos obesus): The damaged plants dries up completely and can be easily
pooled out. The plants damaged at later stages show white ears formation. For control : Treat
the 100 kg seed with 150 ml Chlorpyriphos 20 EC or 250 ml Formothion 25 EC or 500 ml
Ethion 50 EC, make the total solution of 5 litre by adding water and then after spreading the
seed on polythine sheet or floor mix solution with seed. To control termite in standing field
condition mix the 5 litre of Chlorpyriphos 20 EC in 5 litre of water and 5 kg sand or ash, then
spread in field evenly followed by a light irrigation.
Aphid (Lipophis erysimi) and Jassid (Amrasca biguttula): These pests damage the crop in
the month of Feb - March in our conditions by sucking the cell sap from leaves, earhead and
flag leaf. For cntrol: If you find 10 pests in one group on flag leaves of crop then go for spray
of 625 ml Fanitrothion 50 EC or 1000 ml Malathion 50 EC mix with 625 litre of water per
hectare area.
Harvesting:
Wheat is to be harvested during sunny days as soon as it matures. The mature grain produces a
cracking sound when passed between teeth.
BARLEY
Botanical name: Hordium vulgare
Common name: Jau
Area and Distribution

In Haryana, the major barley growing districts are Hisar, Sirsa, Bhiwani, Mohindergarh, Rewari
and western part of Jind, Rohtak and Gurgaon.
Classification
Barley can be classified in different groups which are given below:
a) Classification based on arrangement of spikelets on rachis
Aberg and Wiebe (1946) classified all the cultivated barley varieties into three distinct
species based on the number of rows of grain and their arrangement:
(i) Hordium vulgare L.– six-row barley
(ii) Hordium distichon L.– two-row barley
(iii) Hordium irreglare L.– two-row barley
Six-rowed hulled and some hull-less barley are generally cultivated in the country.
With the demand from malting industry, the introduction and release of some 2-rowed
improved barley has also created considerable interest towards their cultivation. The 2-rowed
varieties are preferred for malting because of their bold, plump grains, uniform germination,
higher malt extract and other desirable traits.
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Barley requires cool weather during early growth and warm and dry weather at
maturity. It grows reasonably well in temperate as in sub-tropical regions of the world. The
optimum temperature at the sowing should be around 22- 24oC. The crop requires around 12-
15oC during growing period and around 30oC at maturity. Uniform moisture supply and bright
sunshine at the ripening are important for the production of clean bright kernels required by
the malting industry.
Crop rotation
It is generally rotated with crops, such as pearlmillet, maize, paddy, sorghum, cotton,
groundnut, smaller millets, greengram and balckgram in different parts of the country. The
following are common crop rotations where barley is included: Paddy – barley, Maize –
barley, Sorghum – barley, Cotton – barley, Pearlmillet - barley, Groundnut - barley,
Blackgram – barley, Greengram – barley, Cowpea – barley, Guar – barley.
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Sowing time
Sowing time plays a pivotal role in barley production. Under rainfed condition the
optimum time for barley sowing is second fortnight of October, whereas, under irrigated situation
is better to plant the crop between 15-30th November for harvesting a good crop. High malt
content varieties such as BH 393 sowing must be completed between 15-30th November otherwise
it will affect malt content in grain.. Under late planting the quantity and quality of malt is reduced.
Seed rate
Under irrigated conditions 85-90 kg/ha seed is required for sowing. However, under
late sown condition increase the seed rate by 25%. In rainfed situation, 75 kg/ha seed is
sufficient to avoid competition for moisture.
Method of sowing
Sowing method depends upon the moisture content in the top soil. If the moisture is
sufficient in the top soil than seed can be sown by kera method, otherwise, it must be planted
by pora method. Row to row spacing must be maintained at 22 cm under normal planting,
however, under late sown condition it should be reduced to 18-20 cm for obtaining optimum
plant population.
Varieties
Huskless barley varieties: Karan 750, Karan 18, Karan 3, Karan 757,
K 1155.
Hulled barley varieties: Karan 280, NH 87, DL 472, Karan 15
Malting and brewing purpose: Alfa 93, BCU 73, DWR 28, DWRUB 52, RD 2668 and
DWRB 73.
Feed purpose: RD 2552, PL 751, BH 902, BH 393 and RD 2592 (Irrigated), K 560, K 603,
RD 2624, RD 2660 (Rainfed), DL 88, RD 2552, NDB 1173, NDB 1020 and NDB 209(Saline
soils).
Nematode resistant variety: Raj Kiran.
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The important barley varities recommended in Haryana state areas follows:
Variety Av. Grain Duration Reaction to major disease/ Other features

Yield (q/ha) (days) insects/ pests
BG 25 34 136 Resistant to yellow rust, Six row, waxy and suitable

susceptible to blight and for irrigated conditions
moderately resistant to
aphids
BG 105 37 137 Susceptible to yellow rust, For irrigated late conditions
blight and aphids
BH 75 38 136 Moderately resistant to For irrigated timely sown
yellow rust, susceptible to conditions
blight and aphids
BH 393 46 121 Resistant to yellow and Six row, early maturity,
brown rust and molya very good malting traits
disease
BH 331 43 127 Resistant to major diseases Suitable for brackish water
and salt affected soils
BH 338 39 107 Tolerant to yellow rust Suitable for late sowing
BH 902 50 130 Resistance against yellow, Six row barley variety for
brown and black rusts. It is feed barley group.
also moderately resistant to
leaf blight.
Barley needs 60 kg N, 30 kg P2O5 and 15 kg K2O/ha under irrigated condition. In barley,
apply full dose of P2O5, K2O and half of the nitrogen at the time of sowing and remaining half
nitrogen at first irrigation. However, under rainfed situations barley needs 30 kg N and 15 kg
P2O5 /ha and all the fertilizers should be applied at the time of sowing. Aviod excessive nitrogen
application as it leads to lodging which will reduce the grain quality. Application of FYM helps
in conservation of moisture.
Due to low water requirement, barley can be grown as a rainfed crop. To harvest good
yields, barley requires two irrigations at the active tillering stage (40 - 45 DAS) and the other
at the anthises stage (80 - 85 DAS). One extra irrigation is required only on sandy soils.
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Weed management
Weeds generally pose greater problem in irrigated areas, though barley is known to be
a good competitor of weeds due to its fast growing habit and high initial vigour. Both
broadleaf (Chenopodium album) and narrow leaf weeds (Phalaris minor and Avena
ludoviciana) are common in barley. The weed population also depends upon the extent of
tillage practices followed prior sowing of barley crop. To prevent losses from weeds, one
hand weeding after first irrigation is quite useful. Application of 2, 4-D sodium salt @ 1 kg/ha
in 500 litres of water after 1st irrigation (40 DAS) can take care of broadleaf weeds.
Diseases management
Rusts (Puccinia spp.): Black, brown and yellow rusts occur in barley. Rust resistant varieties
of barley are: -
Black rust:- Azad, BCU 73, BH 505, BH 508 and HBL113.
Brown rust: - Alfa 93, BCU 73, HBL 113, BH 514, RD 2503, RD 2508 and PL 419.
Yellow rust:- BH 902,C 164, BH 75, Alfa 93, R 2503, RD 2508, PL 419, BH 393.
Seed treatment with Vitavax or Carbendazim (Bavistin) @ 2g or Tebuconazol (Raxil-
2 DS) @ 1g per kg seed is quite effective.
Stripe Disease (Dreschlera graminea) usually occurs at late tillering stage. Narrow yellow
stripes initially appear on lower leaves and later appear on the upper leaves also. As the
disease progresses, yellow stripes increase in length parallel to the veins and soon turn reddish
to dark brown. Heavily infected leaves mature early which later on dry and give shredded
look. The spots also appear on glumes and spikelets. Seed treatment with Bavistin (2g/kg
seed) is quite effective in managing the external seed infection. Foliar spray of Dithane M 45
@ 0.2% at the initiation of disease. Resistant varieties K 12, K 24, K 125, Vijaya, C 164, BG
105 and BH 87 should be cultivated
Insect management
There is no major insect in case of barley, however, termite attack is observed in this crop
and for its control treat the seed with Chlorpyriphos 20 EC or Formathion 25 EC @ 6 ml /kg of
seed and prepare the solution in 25-30 litres of water for one hectare area, mix the insecticide well
in water and spray the solution on the seed and air dry it overnight before sowing.
Harvesting and Threshing
The crop is harvested by cutting at the ground level when the plants dry up, grains become hard and
stem breaks down with slight touch. Delayed harvesting results in lodging and shattering of grains.
The harvested crop is bundled and placed in threshing yard and allowed to dry. The dried crop is
threshed either by trampling by bullocks or mechanical threshers. The produce is winnowed to clear
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chaff and unwanted materials. The straw serves as important feeding material for livestock. In
recent times, combines are used to do all the 3 operations in a single step.
Yield: Barley yields 3-5 t/ha of grain and equal amount of straw depending on variety and management
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CHICKPEA
Botanical name: Cicer arietinum

Common name: Bengal gram
Uses:
Chickpea is best blood purifier. It assists in lowering of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Chickpea is mostly consumed in the form of processed whole seed (boiled, roasted, fried,
steamed and sprouted) or dal or as dal flour (Besan). It is an excellent animal feed. Its straw
also has good forage value. In India, chickpea flour is used for preparation of number of sweets
and recipies.
Nutritive aspects:
Chickpea seeds contain on average 18- 22% protein, 52-70% total carbohydrates, 4-10% fat,
6% crude fiber and 3% ash. Seeds are rich in mineral content as phosphorus (340 mg/100 g),
calcium (190 mg/100 g), magnesium (140 mg/100g), iron (7 mg/100 g) and zinc (3 mg/100
g). Its leaves contain consist of mallic and citric acid, which is very useful for stomach
ailments.
Classification
The differences in desi and kabuli-chickpea are as follows
Desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Kabuli chickpea (Cicer kabulium)

The seed colour ranges from yellow to The seed colour is usually white
dark brown
Seed size is usually small. Seeds are bold and attractive.
Yield potential is high Yield potential is low
Plants are small with good branching Plants are generally taller and stand more or less
ability erect.
Canopy colour is dark green Canopy colour is light green
Leaflets are smaller in size Leaflets are larger than desi gram
The chromosome number 2n = 14, 16 The chromosome number 2n = 16
Chickpea is essentially a subtropical crop, it grows well in a wide range of climates. The
crop is very sensitive to excess moisture, high humidity and cloudy weather, which limit flower
production, seed set and yield. Severe cold and frost are injurious to it. Chickpea is usually grown
after rainy season on stored soil moisture during winter in tropics or spring in temperate and
Mediterranean regions. In India, it is grown as rabi crop in areas of 400- 700 mm rainfall. The
average air temperature varies from 25° to 30°C with warmer nights with 20°-25°C temperature.
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Chickpea is a long day plant requiring 12—16 hrs bright sunshine per day.
In India, two distinct agroclimatic regions are recognised. In cold winters (rabi) of
north India, the crop duration is 160-170 days. In Peninsular India, where winters are warm,
the crop duration is short (90—110 days). Hence, the productivity of chickpea is higher under
north Indian conditions. Pod set and seed development is limited by temperatures less than
5°C and higher than 30°C. The optimum temperature regime for chickpea is 24°- 30°C.
Soil requirement
Chickpea thrives well on a wide range of soils including sandy, sandy loam and black
cotton soils. It is highly sensitive to saline and sodic soils. A pH range of 6-9 is favourable.
Chickpea is highly sensitive to aeration. Therefore, on heavy soil having high moisture
retention capacity, care should be taken during seedbed preparation to ensure adequate
aeration. Well drained sandy/silty clay loam to deep loam soils of medium fertility which may
retain up to 200 mm of moisture in a profile to a depth of 1 meter are considered ideal for
chickpea cultivation. The alluvial soils of the Indogangetic belt support bumper crop of Chickpea.
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Crop rotation
Chickpea is cultivated during rabi seasion. Chickpea in rotation with cereal crops
helps in controlling soil born diseases. The most common rotations are Kharif fallow-
chickpea, paddy-chickpea, Maize-chickpea, Bajra-chickpea and Jowar- chickpea. Chickpea is
also grown mixed with wheat, barley, linseed, sunflower and rapeseed and mustard.
Sowing time
The ideal time of sowing in rainfed areas is the middle of October whereas under
irrigated condition, middle of November is the optimum time. If the temperature is more than
30oC than chickpea should not be sown as it will lead to high vegetative growth and increase
the incidence of wilt. In order to utilize residual moisture of kharif season, sowing in Central
and Southern Zones is generally 10-15 days earlier than that in north India. For getting good
yield the optimum sowing time is second fortnight of October. While the optimum time of
sowing of Kabuli chickpea is the end of October to the first week of November.
Seed rate
Chickpea has wide variation in seed size from 12 to 40 g per 100 seeds. The small
seeded varieties require less seed in comparison to large seeded varieties. For timely planting
of desi type, 40-45 kg seed per ha is adequate, however for bold seeded varieties like HC-3
and Gaurav a seed rate of 75-80 kg seed per ha is optimal. In case of kabuli types the optimal
seed rate is 80 - 100 kg per ha. Under late planting conditions, the seed rate should be
increased by 20-30% (50-55 kg/ha) so as to compensate the per plant yield loss. In case of
intercropping, the seed rate should be adjusted as per the area available to the crop.
Seed treatment
For nodulation and nitrogen fixation, the seed must be treated with specific Rhizobium
culture before sowing. The inoculation should be done 10-12 hours before sowing. For
inoculation, 10 kg seed and 100 g Gur added in one liter of water followed by heating of the
mixture. The mixture is cooled down and one packet of Rhizobium culture is mixed in it. Rub
this mixture on seeds provides a uniform thin coating all over. After drying in shade for about
6-8 hours, seeds can be used for sowing.
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Method of sowing
Delayed sowing require higher seed rate for optimal plant stand than the normal
planted crop due to restricted growth. Adequacy of moisture and nutrients leads to enhance
vegetative growth and therefore, a low plant stand is desirable under such condition.The
optimal row spacing for timely sown crop is 30cm under sufficient moisture condition,
whereas for rainfed condition it should be wider i.e. 45 cm. However for late (December)
planting in irrigated areas, it should be 25 cm.
Sowing depth decides the period of emergence. The period of emergence can be
shortened with appropriate sowing depth according to soil types and moisture. In loamy sand
soil of northern India seeding at 10 cm depth is better than shallow seeding (5 cm depth) if the
chickpea be sown on conserved soil moisture condition.
Varieties
Recommended varieties of different zones
Zone Varieties
NWPZ Uday, GPF-2, GNG-663 Alok, Samrat (for Raj., HR, Pb.), PDG-3 (Pb.), HC-3,
HC-5, HK-1, HK-2, GNG-1292 (Raj.), Pusa-547, Phule G 9425-9, Aadhar
NEPZ SadaBahar, Uday, KWR 108, Pant G 186, Gujrat Gram 4
CZ ICCV 10, Vijay, JAK 92-18, Gujrat Gram 1, KAK-2, Jawahar Gram-16, Pusa
Shubra, BGD 128, JKG 1
SZ ICCV 10, JG 11, Phule G 95311
EZ Uday
High yielding cultivars for specific situations are:

o Drought tolerant: RS 10, G 24, T 3, T 87, RSG 888
o Late sown situation: JG 74, Strain 76, G 235, Pant G 114.
o Wilt resistant: HC 1, GPF 2, JG 315, KWR 108, DCP 92-3, Vijay, Vishal, JG 74.
o Ascochyta blight tolerant: Gaurav, GNG 146, Pusa 261, GNG 469, PBG I.
o Early maturing thermosensitive: KPG 59, BG 372, Pant G 186.
o Extra bold and bold seeded: Kabuli KAK 2, BO 1053, HK 2.
The popular varieties in Haryana are:
H 208: It is most suitable for drier, rainfed, and wilt-prone areas as it is tolerant to wilt. It also
does well in irrigated areas. The pods are comparatively small and two-seeded. The grains are
small (115 g/1000 grains) and brownish yellow. The average yield is 20 q/ha.
C-235: It is tolerant to blight and is suitable for cultivation in blight-prone areas, particularly
humid regions of the State. The grains are medium bold (135 g/1000 grains) and brownish
yellow. The average yield is 19 q/ha. This variety gave very good yields in rainfed areas also.
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HC 5: The plants of this variety are erect compact and tall with high yields. This variety is
tolerant to root rot and wilt. The maturity duration is 145 days. Grains of this variety are
medium bold (165 g/1000 seeds) and brownish in colour. This variety is suitable for irrigated
areas and very much suitable to inter cropping in autumn planted sugarcane where chickpea is
planted on raised bed. Average yield of this variety is 20-25 q/ha.
HK 1: Plants of this variety have medium height, profused branching and podding; lightish
green leaved and matures in 142 days. Grains are medium in size and white in colour. This
variety is developed for irrigated areas.
Chickpea responds 15-20 kg N per ha on coarse textured soils unless the soil is rich in
organic matter. Foliar application of 2 % urea at the time of flowering and 10 days thereafter is
useful, specially in rainfed areas.The crop responds to 40 - 60 kg P2O5 per ha. Application of
20 kg K2O per ha is recommended under deficient soil conditions. The recommended fertilizer
should be drilled at sowing. In addition to this, it is also advised to apply zinc sulphate @ 25
kg/ha in irrigated conditions.
Pre-flowering (45-60 DAS) and pod filling stages appear to be the most sensitive to
soil moisture stress. Depending upon the initial moisture content, winter rains and sowing
time, the schedule may vary. Kabuli chickpea needs a little more irrigation. Chickpea should
not be irrigated at flowering stage otherwise flower drop may take place.
Weed management
The dominant weed flora associated with chickpea crop are Chenopodium album,
Melilotus indica, Lathyrus aphaca, Medicago denticulata, Trigonella polycerata, Polygonum
pblebilium, Asphodelus tenuifolius, Euphorbia dracunculoides and Anagallis arvensis. The
initial four to eight weeks are most critical for weed competition and the first mechanical
weeding has been advised 25-30 DAS, and the second 45-50 DAS. However, in case of
32
severe infestation, a third weeding may be needed around 70-75 DAS. Chemical weed control
with pre-sowing Fluchloralin application @ 1.0 kg per ha followed by one hoeing 45 DAS has
been effective. Pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. per ha as pre-emergence followed by one hand
weeding at 45 DAS provide effective control of annual broad leaved and grassy weeds in
chickpea crop.
Nipping
Nipping is defined as the process of removing apical buds 30-40 DAS to control
excessive vegetative growth. Nipping is helpful for controlling apical growth and promotes lateral
branching, so that the plants produce more flowers and pods.
Diseases management
Ascochyta Blight (Ascochyta rabiei): This disease appears on leaf blade, petioles, flowers,
pods, branches and stem in the form of brown spots. Fruiting bodies of the pathogen
(pycnidia) are produced on the spots in the form of concentric rings which is the characteristic
symptoms of the disease. The lesions are circular on leaves and pod whereas elongated on
stem and branches. Pod infection leads to seed infection through testa as well as cotyledons.
Disease spreads rapidly in the field and field gives the burnt appearance.The disease is both
externally and internally seed borne. The secondary spread of the disease takes place by
winds, storms and rain splashes. Destruction of disease debris, deep summer ploughing and
crop rotation reduces diseases. For control of blight seed treatment with Bavistin or Captan @
2.5 g/kg seed and spray of Dithane M-45 @ 0.2% at the initiation of the disease.
Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. Sp. Ciceri ): The disease appears on 3-6 weeks old seedlings in
susceptible varieties. In early stages, seedlings may collapse due to disease, where as older
seedlings show drooping of the leaves and dull green color in the initial stages. Petioles, rachis
and leaves turn yellow and become straw colored. Discoloration of xylem vessels can be seen
when roots are split open. For the control of wilt deep ploughing during the summer months
and destruction of diseased debris. Crop rotation with non leguminous crop and do not sow the
crop before 10 th of October.
Root Rot or Collar Rot (Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani Sclerotium rolfsii): The
symptoms are sudden and complete wilting of the plants. The disease appears at any crop
stage. The initial symptom appear as dark brown spots around the stem at the soil level by R.
solani, whereas in case of F. solani, spots are yellowish in color. Later on leaves of infected
plants turn yellow and ultimately plant wilts. Infested soil and diseased debris spread from
infested fields, help in spread of the disease. Seed treatment with Bavistin @ 2.5 g/kg seed is
advised for its control.
33
Insect management
Termites (Microtermos obesus): Termites damage the crop from sowing to maturity. The
damaged plants dry up completely and are easily pooled out. The damage is generally more in
low irrigated light soil areas. For control treat the 100 kg seed with 850 ml Monocrotophos
36SL or 1500 ml Clorpyriphos 20 EC make the total solution of 2 litre by adding water and
then after spreading the seed on polythene sheet or floor, mix solution with seed.
Cut worms (Agrotis sp.): The caterpillar of this pest are polyphagus in nature and causes the
damage by cutting the stem or branches of growing shoot. For control spray 200 ml Fenvalrate
20 EC or 125 ml Cypermethrin 25 EC or 225 ml Decametharin 2.8 EC by mixing in 500 litre
of water per acre hectare.
Pod borers (Helicoverpa armigera): The borers of this pest are greenish or yellowish in
appearance, which generally feed on the leaves, buds and pods. These completely destroy the
crop by eating the grains developing in size of the pods. For control spray 1 liter Quinalphos
25 EC or 1 kg Carbaryl 50 WP or 500 ml Monocrotophos 36 SL or 200 ml Fenvalerate 20 EC
or 300 ml Cypermetharin 10EC or 375 ml Decametharin in 250 litre of water per acre hectare
as and when average one catterpiller per metre row length of plants at 50 % pod formation
stage.
34
35
RAPESEED AND MUSTARD
Botanical name: Brassica spp.

Common name: Raya/ rai/ sarson
Classification of Rapeseed and Mustard
Sr. Species Common name Local Name

No.
1 Brassica campestris var. yellow sarson Turnip rape Yellow sarson
Brassica campestris var. brown sarson Turnip rape Brown sarson
2 Brassica campestris var. yellow toria Indian rape Yellow toria
Brassica campestris var. black toria Indian rape Black toria or lahi
3 Brassica juncea Indian mustard Rai or Raya or Laha
Brassica juncea var. rugosa Rugosa Pahari rai
Brassica nigra Black mustard Banarsi rai
Brassica napus Canola Gobhi sarson
Brassica carinata Ethopian mustard Karan rai
Eruca sativa Rocket plant Taramira
36
Cool temperature, clear dry weather with plentiful of bright sun shine accompanied with
adequate soil moisture increase the oil yield. Rapeseed mustard requires higher temperature at
vegetative phase (30-32 0C max. and 20-22 0C min.), cool temperature and clear sky during
reproductive phase for seed filling and oil development. Foggy and cloudy weather during
flowering adversely affects the activity of honey bees and hence the crop yield.
50
Soil requirement
They neither tolerate water logging conditions nor do well on heavy soils. Plants can
tolerate moderate salinity reasonably well but a soil having neutral pH is ideal for their proper
growth and development. Taramira can be taken successfully in very light soils and rainfed
areas.
Crop rotation
Rape seed and mustard are grown in rotation with other crops like.maize, cotton,
pearlmillet, pulses, etc. Rape seed and mustard should never be grown in fields which were
sown with the same crops in previous two years.
(1) Maize-toria-wheat (2) Maize-toria-sugarcane (3) Pearl millet-toria-barley (4) Maize-toria-
cotton (5) Maize-toria-sugarcane-ratoon
Brown sarson and mustard (raya) are usually cultivated as pure crops in rainfed areas.
ln regions where irrigation facilities are available, following crop rotations may be followed:
(1) Green gram-brown or yellow sarson or raya (2) Black gram-sarson or raya (3) Guar
(green manure)-sarson or raya (4) Maize-sarson or raya (5) Early Rice-sarson or raya
Rape seed and mustard are generally grown mixed with Rabi crops like wheat, barley
and chick pea.
51
Sowing time
The crop of toria is to be sown in the last week of August to mid September whereas,
for mustard it has been found that 25th of September to the first fortnight of October is the
most appropriate time of sowing mustard crop in conserved moisture. Under irrigated
conditions the sowing of raya is completed by 20th October. The maximum temperature
should be around 32 0C. It is advised to delay the sowing if the temperature is high specially
under rainfed conditions.
Seed rate
Under irrigated condition 3-4 kg seed is sufficient for sowing of one hectare area
whereas, the seed rate can be increased to 5 kg per hectare under rainfed condition depending
upon the availability of soil moisture.
Varieties
Toria
TH 68: Its seeds are medium in size and brown in colour which contains 45% oil content. It
matures in 89 days and gives an average seed yield of 12-14 q per hectare.
Sangam: It is high yielding (15 q/ha) late maturing (110-115 days). Plants are tall, profusely
branched, smooth leaves with long siliquae. The seeds are small brown in colour which
contains 45% oil content.
TL 15: Plants of this variety are medium in height. It has more primary and secondary branches
with sufficient number of siliqua. Seeds are bold and brown in colour with 44% oil content. It
matures in 85 – 90 days. It can be fitted well in wheat rotation. Its average yield is 5 -6 q/ha.
In addition to these, important varieties of toria are Type-9, Bhawani, PT-30, PT-303,
TLC 1, PT 507, M27, TS 29, Agarni, BR 23, Panchali, RAUTS 17 and PVT 37.
Indian mustard /Raya varieties
RH 9304 (Vasundhra): Distinguish morphological characteristics are irregular deep
serrations with small hairs on lower surface and creamish mid rib, apex lobe acute. This
variety matures in 138-142 days. This variety is medium in height with predominance of
primary branches. The seeds are bold, blackish brown in colour which contains 40 % oil
content. It holds promise in early and normal sowing conditions. This variety is resistant to
shattering and lodging with responsive to fertilizer. It is Thermo-tolerant as well. It gives an
average seed yield of 22-25 q/ha.
RH 30: This variety is recommended for irrigated and rainfed areas of Haryana. It is also
suitable for mixed cropping and late sown conditions due to its non-shattering habit and early
maturity. It is characterized by medium height, cone shape leaves with deep but less
serrations. Seeds are very bold and contain 40% oils. It matures in 135 days and yield about
20-22 q/ha.
RH 8812 (Laxmi): This variety is suitable for irrigated condition and high fertility soils
under timely sown conditions. Special characters of this variety are medium bold and
blackish brown seeds, small thick leaves, upright branching and thick pods. On an average, it
yields about 20-24 q/ha and matures in 142 days. Its seeds contain 40% oil.
52
T-59 (Varuna): This variety have wide adaptability and can be grown in all conditions. It
takes about 140-142 days for maturity. The seeds of this variety are bold with 40% oil
content. It gives an average yield of 20-22 q/ha.
RB 50: It is generally recommended for rainfed areas. Plant height is around 2 m. It is
medium in duration (146 days) and bold seeded variety. Oil content is 39%. Average yield is
18 q/ha.
In addition to these, important varieties of yellow sarson which are grown in different
zones of India are YST 151, Type 42, K-88, YS 24, Vinoy, PS 66, PYS 842 and NDYS 842.
Brown Sarson
BSH-1: It’s crop duration is 136 days. The average yield is 12.5 q/ha with oil content of 45%.
Pusa Kalyani: This variety matures in 125-135 days. Seeds are medium and brown in colour
with average oil content of 45 %. It’s yield potential is 16-20 q/ha.
The recommended dose of fertilizer for rainfed condition is 40 kg N and 20 kg P 2O5
/ha. In irrigated areas apply 60 kg N, 20 kg P 2O5 and 25 kg ZnSO4 for toria and mustard, 80
kg N, 40 kg P2O5 and 25 kg ZnSO4 for raya and only 30 kg N for taramira.
Drill all the fertilizers at the time of sowing under unirrigated conditions. It is advisable to
apply phosphorus through single super phosphate because it contains 12% sulphur which is
required for increasing the oil content. If phosphorous is applied as DAP than apply 250 kg
Gypsum/ha at the time of field preparation or before irrigation. Seed treatment with Azotobacter
has been found beneficial to the crop.
The irrigation requirement of rapeseed-mustard varies depending upon the crop
conditions, moisture storage in the soil profile and prevailing weather conditions. Two
irrigation i e. one at flowering and another at siliquae development stage is recommended. If
irrigation water is limiting and is available for one irrigation only, then the crop should be
irrigated at the time of flowering. Excessive water at later stages of crop growth reduces the
yield by inducing secondary flowering and lodging in the crop.
53
Weed management
The most common weeds of rape seed and mustard crop are Chinopodium album
(bathua), Lathyrus spp. (chatrimatri), Melilotus indica (senji) and Fumaria parviflora (gajri).
One dry hoeing with wheel hoe or hand hoe at about four weeks of sowing i.e. prior to first
irrigation and if possible second hoeing after first irrigation may be done. Orobanche (Broom
rape) a parasitic weed is a major problem in north India. For its control, spray 25 and 50g
glyphosate at 30 ans 50 DAS, respectively.
Disease management
White rust (Albugo candida): In the initial stage of infection small isolated (creamy white)
pustules develop on the lower surface of the lower leaves when the crop is about 40-50 days
old. The pustules increase in size and number covering the leaves and defoliation takes place
which leads to weakening of the plants. The dangerous stage is floral infection in which the
floral parts are malformed and become thick leathery green. The branches become zig-zag in
structure and white growth of the fungus can be seen on these affected branches. Affected
branches bears no siliquae thus causing yield losses. Cool, moist weather, temp. 6-12OC and
RH above 90 per cent is very favourable for the development and spread of this disease. Late
sown (November) crop suffers more from this disease.
Alternaria blight (Alternaria brassica): Small light brown round spots develop on the lower
leaves first and then on upper leaves after 40 days of sowing. When the temperature ranges
from 18- 25°C with high humidity (80 per cent) dense crop canopy and rains during February
increases the disease at faster rate.
Downey mildew (Peronospora parasitica): At flowering stage, the whole inflorescence is
malformed and becomes thick green, twisted and covered with white cottony growth. There
is always mixed infection of white rust and downy mildew on floral parts. Disease
development is favoured by a temperature 10-20°C and wet weather (RH 90% or above).
White stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum): The disease starts on stem near the soil level as
elongated water soaked lesions which later on covered with white mycelial growth of the
pathogen. The diseased plant dries up before maturity without grain formation. The disease
generally appears at flowering or pod formation stage. If we split open the affected stem,
black sclerotial bodies are found in the pith of the stem. In low lying areas it can cause up to
35 per cent losses to the crop, cool and moist weather favours the disease development.
54
Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum): white and circular floury patches develop on
leaves and pods. As the disease advances, the whole plant (Stem, leaves and pods) looks as
if dusted with white powder. The disease usually appears late in the season when the
temperature rises (15-28°C and RH less than 60%) with no rainfall.
Insect management
Mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi): This is the most important pest of rapeseed and mustard.
This pest is more active at flowering stage of the crop. Cloudy and moist weather favours the
rapid multiplication of this pest. They are small light greenish coloured insects suck the sap
from all parts of the plant. Nymphs are small and wingless. Both nymphs and adults suck the
sap from different parts of the plant which devitalize the whole plant. Insects' secreats honey
dew which results in black fungus growth called sooty mould. Insects' multiply rapidly at low
temperature and 60 to 80 percent relative humidity. For control, remove aphid infested twigs
from the borders of the field which helps in preventing the inward spread of this pest.
Painted bug (Bagrada hilaris): Adult bugs are pretty looking sub-ovate black or grey and
have many orange and brownish spot on the body. Both nymphs and adults suck sap from the
plants at seedling stage and from seed at maturity stage of the crop. It is more serious at
seedling stage of crop. If there is one nymph or adult/ meter row length spray the crop with
500 ml malathion 50 EC after diluting it in 500 lt of water/ha.
Hairy caterpillar (Diacrisia Obliqua): This pest is highly polyphagous and cause damage to
the leaves in October - November sown crop. The caterpillar feed gregariously initially. The
larvae are covered with hair. The attacked plants leaves are completely denuded in severe
infestation. For control the leaves along with the larvae should be plucked and destroyed. In
case of severe infestation, large caterpillars can be controlled by spraying 1250 ml quinalphos
25 EC or 625 ml monocrotophos 35 SL or 500 ml dichlorvos 76 WS after mixing in 625 liter
of water/ha.
Mustard sawfly (Athialia lugens proxima): A black coloured larva feed at seedling stage of
the crop. The larvae have three parallel strip lengthwise on dorsal side of the body. The
damaged plants can be identified by the presence of mid rib only. Severe attack of this pest
may necessitate re sowing of the crop. The pest can be managed by dusting with 2% Methyl
Parathion dust at the rate of 20-25 kg/ha or spraying the crop with 0.05% Malathion 50 EC.
Pluck the infested leaves alongwith the gregariously feeding larvae and destroy them.
Leaf miner (Chromatomyia horticola): This is also a polyphagous pest which damage all the
brassica crops. The maggots of this pest damage leaves by making galleries in them which in
turn hinders photosynthesis. The adults of this pest are tiny greyish flies with one pair of
wings. The attacked crop can easily be identified by galleried leaves from a distance with sick look.
55
For control this pest can easily be managed by spraying monocrotophos 35 SL @ 625 ml in
625 liter per hectare.
Harvesting
As soon as the pods turn yellowish brown, harvest the crop or when 75 % silique turn yellowish
and moisture content of the seed is around 40 %. At this stage, maximum seeds should be harvested
preferable early in the morning. Crop is harvested when pods are slightly damp with night dew for
minimizing the shattering losses with the help of sickles. Bundles of harvested plants are stacked in
threshing floor and dried in the sun for a few days. Threshing is done by the usual method with i.e.
trampling by bullocks under their feet or running a tractor over the dried plants spread on the threshing
floor (yard). Seeds are separated and stored when moisture content of the seed must be less than 8 %.
Yield: Rape seed – 1500 to 1800 kg/ha

Mustard – 2000 to 2200 kg/ha
56
SUGARCANE
Botanical name: Saccharum officinarum

Common name: Ganna/ Ekh
Uses:
Sugarcane is one of the main crop for earning foreign exchange. White sugar, Brown sugar
(Khandsari) and Jaggary (Gur). Sugar industry is the largest agro based processing industry
next only to textile in India. Molasses and bagassy are important byproduct of sugar industry.
Molasses are used for production of alcohol by distilleries. Molasses are also used as an
additive to livestock feed. Alcohols serve as a base material in pharmaceutical and several
other industries. Green tops of cane are a good source of fodder for cattle.
Nutritive aspect:
Press mud is used as manure in alkaline and saline soils. Ethanol is also a byproduct of sugar
industry which is blended in petrol (5%) in India.
Classification
Sugarcane belongs to the genus Saccharum in the family Poaceae. Cultivated

sugarcane is classified into three species.
Saccharum officinarum: These are noble canes known as ‘Ponda’ in north India and grown
for chewing purposes. These are thick and juicy canes goodfor chewing purpose also. The
cultivation of this species is limited to tropical areas. But in recent years these canes have
been succeeded by hybridisation among Officinarum, spontaneum and other species in
subtropical regions.
Saccharum sinense: This specie of cultivated sugarcane is indigenous to north-eastern India.

Internodes of these canes are long and more or less zigzag and nodes are prominent.
69
Saccharum barberi: This species is also indigenous to north-eastern India. It is characterised
by short and thin stalks, narrow leaves, low to medium sucrose content, and early maturity.
This species includes 'Saretha' and 'Sunnabile' groups of sugarcane.
Both the above mentioned species, indigenous to north-eastern India were in cultivation for
many centuries but now-a-days canes of these species have been replaced by complex hybrid
clones. In addition to the above three cultivated species there are two wild species S.
spontaneum and S. robustum.
Crop rotation
Two year rotatons are: Maize-potato-sugarcane, Maize-sugarcane-wheat, Rice-sugarcane-
wheat and Cotton-sugarcane-ratoon.
Three years rotations are: Rice - sugarcane - ratoon - wheat, Cotton- sugarcane – ratoon -
wheat, Sugarcane - ratoon-kharif paddy-winter rice and Rice-groundnut-sorghum-ragi-
sugarcane.
Intercrops: Potato, chickpea, onion, garlic etc.
Sugarcane cultivation requires a tropical or subtropical climate. It requires humidity
of 70% for more vegetative growth. Heat, humidity and sunlight intensity play important role
in sugarcane germination, tillering, vegetative growth and maturity. Sugarcane grows well in
humid and hot weather. An average mean temperature of 26 to 32oC is best suited for growth
of sugarcane. Temperatures above 38° reduce the rate of photosynthesis and increase
respiration. For ripening, relatively low temperatures in the range of 12° to 14° are desirable.
Severe cold weather inhibits bud sprouting in ratoon crop and arrests cane growth. It needs a
period of water stress for sucrose accumulation in the stems.
Sugarcane in India is grown from 8 oN to 30oN latitude covering a wide range of
climatic conditions and soils. Two distinct regions of cane cultivation are recognized: the
tropical and subtropical. The shorter the growing season the lesser the yields and lower the
sugar recovery.
70
Field preparation
The successful raising of plant and subsequent ratoon crop depends, to a considerable
extent, on the seed-bed provided to the plant crop. The soil should therefore be well prepared
in improving tilth which contributes to good germination, stand and final yield of the crop. It
is essential that preparatory tillage is done at deeper layers for better spread of roots. After the
harvest of previous crop, the field is deep ploughed with a soil turning plough. All large clods
are broken and leveling is done to facilitate irrigation and drainage.
Sowing time
The crop must be planted according to the season as follows:
Spring season (Basant kalene): Mid February to end of March.
Late planting (After wheat): Upto 15th May (CoH 110, CoH 119, CoS 767, COH 35).
Autumn season: End of September to first week of October.
Selection of seed
Though yield of sugarcane depends upon variety, quality of good seed is an equally
important criterion. Sugarcane is propagated by cuttings or section of the stalks called setts.
The setts should be:
i. Fresh and juicy.
ii. Age should be of 9-10 months.
iii. Should be free from pests and diseases.
iv. Eye buds should be fully developed.
v. Select sett from planted cane for seed and never from a ratoon cane.
Use 2/3rd top portion of cane, being comparatively immature, has buds of good
viability, and is the best portion for use as seed.
Seed treatment
Dip the cane setts in 0.25% solution of Mencozeb (Dithane M 45) for 4-5 minutes.
250 liters of solution is sufficient for treating setts for one hectare area. Rubber gloves should
be put on while treating the setts. The person employed for should not have any cuts or
scratches on his hand.
71
Spacing
The crop is planted at a spacing of 60 to 75 cm between rows. But in intercropping
with potato the row spacing should be kept at 90 cm. In case of winter season the crop can be
intercropped with wheat and sowing of wheat should be done with the help of bed planter
with three rows of wheat by applying 80 kg seed/ ha. Irrigate the furrows upto half level and
this will help in better and early germination of the sugarcane.
Seed rate
Before planting, the leaves of the cane-stalks are stripped off by hand to avoid damage
to buds. These stalks are then cut into 1 or 2 or 3 budded setts each depending upon the
method of planting. 87000 two boded setts or 58000 three buded setts which weigh about 7 to
10 t are required for planting sugarcane in one hectare area.
Method of sowing
Flat planting: In this method shallow furrows are opened with a local plough or cultivator at
row spacing from 60 to 75 cm depending upon the situation. There should be sufficient
moisture in the field at the time of planting. The setts are planted in them . After this furrows
are covered with 5-7 cm of soil and field is leveled by heavy planking. In most parts of
northern India and some tracts of Maharasthra, cane is planted by this method.
Trench planting: In some coastal areas as well as in other areas where the crop grows very
tall and strong winds during rainy season cause lodging of cane, trench method is adopted to
save the crop from lodging. The setts are planted end to end in the trenches. The tractor –
drawn sugarcane planter is a very suitable device for planting cane in trenches.
Ring or Pit system: This system was evolved by Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research,
Lucknow.
The pits are re-filled with loose soil and farmyard manure or pressmud mixture to a depth of
15 cm. While planting, 20 setts are planted per pit and covered with soil to a thickness of 5
cm. As the crop grows, the soil is filled into the pits while manuring. This system has given
very high yields in the subtropics. In the tropical India, about 25% higher yields were
obtained. The system also gives better rations and has been found useful under saline soils
and saline water irrigated conditions. The system may be useful under drip system of irrigation.
In this system as the cane setts are packed closely lik spokes in rim. Mostly mother
shoots develop which apparently were better than the tillers in the conventional planting. Due
to suppressed tillering in the ring system from the very beginning, vigorous growth of mother
shoots occurred. Due to this the thickness and height of individual canes increased resulting
in higher single cane weight.
Varieties
In our country, sugarcane is being cultivated over a wide range of contrasting agro-
climatic conditions and accordingly the varietal requirements also vary from location to
location. To achieve this objective, All India Coordinated Research Project on sugarcane was
72
initiated by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi during 1970-71. As a result
73
of sugarcane breeding programmes in different states a number of varieties yielding higher
cane tonnage and sugar per unit area as compared to the commercially cultivated varieties
have been developed. A list of such high yielding, high sugar varieties are given in Table:
State Early-ripening varieties Mid-late ripening varieties

Haryana CoH 56, CoJ 64, CoH 99, Co 7717 CoH 35, CoS 767, Co 1148, Co 1158
Varieties recommended for Haryana State are as follows

Early maturing varieties
CoJ 64: It is early maturing variety. Its sugar content is 18-20%. Germination of this variety
is very good and it is good for ratoon crop but it is susceptible to moisture stress condition.
For getting higher yield water must be ensured and it should be kept free from insect and
pests. It is susceptible to top and stem borer. Its average yield is 500q/ha.
CoH 56: It is early maturing variety. Its sugar content is 18%. The cane is medium bold with
wider and light green leaves. It is resistant to lodging and has good tillering capacity. It is
susceptible to top and stem borer.
CoH 92: It is early maturing variety. Its sugar content is 18-20%.Its germination is good but
tillering is poor.The canes are bold, solid and tall growing. For getting good yields it is
necessary to control root borer. Its average yield is 625q/ha. It is recommended for cultivation
in whole Haryana.
74
Medium maturing varieties
Co 7717: It is an medium early maturing variety which ripens by the end of November.
Sucrose content about 17%. A good tillering variety with excellent stand, good ratooner, erect
growing and non-lodging, responds well to heavy manuring, resistant to drought, cane yield
and sugar content fairly high. It gives about 800 q of stripped cane per hectare. It is
moderately resistant to smut, resistant to top borer, shoot borer and root borer but moderately
susceptible to red rot. Suitable for cultivation in whole Haryana.
CoH 99: It is a medium-early maturing variety which ripens in the 2nd fortnight of November.
Sucrose content about 17.5%. It is resistant to drought and waterlogging. It gives about 700 q of
stripped cane per hectare. It is resistant to diseases and insects. Suitable for cultivation in whole
Haryana.
CoS 8436: It is medium maturing variety. Its canes are short, bold, solid, broad leaves and
small internodes. Sucrose content is 16-18%. It is not recommended for late planting (after
wheat harvesting). Its average yield is 700 q/ha.
CoH 119: It is a medium-early maturing variety. Its canes are bold and solid. It is
recommended for sowing in spring season. Its ratoon is good and non-lodging variety. It is
resistant to red rot and recommended for cultivation in whole Haryana. It gives an average
yield of 800 q/ha.
Late maturing varieties
Co 1148: It matures in the end of January. It is slow growing, high tillering, solid canes and
high yielding variety. It is good for rationing. It can tolerate frost condition. It is sensitive to
top borer, stem borer and red rot. Its average yield is 800 q/ha. Sucrose content is 17-19%.
CoS 767: It matures in the month of December. It is high tillering, non lodging and high
yielding variety. It is good for rationing. It can tolerate frost, drought and waterlogging
condition. It is resistant to diseases and insects. Its average yield is 750 q/ha. Sucrose content
is 16-18%.
CoS 110: It is late maturing. It is fast growing, tall, solid canes and high yielding variety. It is
good for rationing. It can tolerate frost condition. This variety is recommended for cultivation
in low fertility and limited water conditions. It is fast growing hence recommended for
cultivation in summer and spring seasons. It is resistant to red rot. Its average yield is 800 q/ha.
Crop Nutrient (kg/ha) Time and method of application
N P2O5 K2O
Plant crop 150 50 50 Drill all P, K2O and 1/3 N at sowing, 1/3 with second
(Basant / spring) irrigation and 1/3 with fourth irrigation.
Ratoon crop 225 50 50 Broadcast 1/3 N and full P2O5 and K2O in Feb. with
first interculture, 1/3 N each in April and June
Autumn 150 50 50 For intercrop, apply the recommended dose of fertilizer.
planting For sugarcane crop, apply full dose of K 2O, P2O5 and 50
kg N/ha at planting time, 50 kg N/ha after harvesting of
intercrop and the final dose in the month
second fortnight of June or with the start of monsoon.
75
If sugarcane is planted after harvest of wheat than apply full dose of P 2O5 and 75 kg N/ha
at planting time and 75 kg N/ha in the end of June or with the start of monsoon. If sugarcane is
sown in the sandy loam than it is necessary to apply 25 kg ZnSO4/ha at the time of planting.
First irrigation should be done after 5-6 weeks after sowing. Irrigate the crop at 10
days interval before monsoon and 25 days interval after monsoon. CoJ 64 requires limited
irrigation. Co 1148 and CoS 767 can tolerate water stress condition upto some extent.
Weed management
Two hoeing 30 and 60 DAS followed by interculture with country plough between
the rows at 90 DAS helps to eliminate crop weed competition in sugarcane. Trash mulching
in ratoon crop checks the emergence of weeds in addition to moisture conservation. Pre-
emergence (2-3 DAS) application of Simazine @ 4 kg/ha or Atrazine @
2.5 kg/ha or Sencor @ 1.5-2.0 kg/ha by mixing in 625-700 L water can provide effective
control of several grass and broad leaf weeds. For the control of Cyperus and Ipomoea spp.,
spray 1.0-1.25 kg/ha of 2,4-D ester or amine, Almix @ 20 g/ha or 2,4-D Sodium salt @ 2.5
kg/ha in 500-625 L water at 30 and 60 DAS.
Earthing up
Hilling the clumps in stages is required to provide habitat to the shoot roots and
sufficient height of the soil thus achieved suppress the formation of late shoots. The earthing
up results in formation of furrows which helps in drainage of excess water during rains.
Earthing up is done at maximum tillering stage. Light earthing in the month of May and
heavy earthing in the end of June, prior to the break of monsoon, should be done.
Propping up
This should be carried out in the month of August and September, so as to prevent
lodging of crop.
Disease management
Red Rot (Colletotrichum falcatum): The initial symptoms appear as drying of the lower
leaves at the tips and margin. In few days whole crown dries and cane shows red to purplish
discoloration. Longitudinal splitting of the diseased cane shows the characteristic reddening
76
of internal tissues interrupted by white transverse patches. The affected tissues emit a
characteristic alcoholic smell.
Whip Smut (Ustilago scitaminea): This disease is recognized by the production of black
whip like structure at the apex of the affected stalk which is initially covered by a white
silvery membrane. As the whip matures, silvery membrane ruptures exposing millions of
black spores. Smutted shoots do not produce millable canes.
Wilt (Cephalosporium sacchari, Fusarium moniliforme): This disease is characterized by
yellowing/withering of crown leaves late in the season followed by rapid drying of canes.
The cane becomes light and hollow and on splitting shows reddening as a conical patch at
each node. The affected canes emit a characteristic sour smell different from alcoholic smell
as in case of red rot.
Ratoon Stunting (Leifsonia xyli sub sp. xyli): Ratoon stunting disease does not show any
specific external symptoms. The stalks become thin and internodes are shortened. Later on
the foliage turns yellow and plant gives a stunted look. In mature canes discoloration of
individual vascular bundles is prominent at the nodes. In young canes, the symptoms appear
as pinkish discoloration of the tissues below the apical meristem.
Grassy Shoot Disease (Phytoplasma): The appearance of premature and profuse tillers with
narrow leaves are the symptoms of disease. Later on, side shoots develop from the bottom of
the stalk and proceed towards the top. After some time softening of leaf texture takes place
which gives grass like appearance to the clump. There is overall stunting of clump. The
affected stubbles may not sprout.
Sugarcane Mosaic (Sugarcane Mosaic Virus): The prominent symptom is the mottling of
basal portion of younger leaves. Alternate chlorotic and green areas on the leaves contribute
to mosaic appearance which can best be observed on leaves held against light source.The
virus is transmitted through the diseased sugarcane setts. Secondary spread of the disease
takes place with the help of aphids which transmit the virus in a non-persistent manner.
77
Insect management
Termite: Immediately after planting the insect feed on the buds or after sprouting feed on the
young tillers thereby causing drying of the tillers and reduce the plant population.
Immediately after planting the setts ,spray 6.25 liter chloropyriphos 20 EC or 20 kg Canodane
6 G in 600 – 1000 liter water/ha.
Pyrilla: Nymphs and adults both suck the cell-sap from the underside of the leaves. The
damaged leaves turn yellow and shrivel later on. During heavy infestation drying of whole
plant may occur. They excrete honey dew on which black mould develops and the leaves give
sickly black appearance.
Sugarcane whitefly: nymphs and adults suck the cell sap from leaves. Yellow streaks appear
on the damaged leaves and the crop gives palish green appearance. A black mould develops
on honeydew extracted by the whiteflies. Spray 2 liter of malathion or 1.5 litre of rogor in
1000 liter of water.
Sugarcane top borer: Young leave bore into the mid rib of a leaf, mining their way to the
base. They enter the spindle, feed on the growing point and portion of the cane causing the
bunchy top. Apply 20 kg/ha of Phorat 10 G (Thimat)
Sugarcane shoot borer: The leaves reach the plant base, bore into the shoot and feed there.
The attached plants produce dead hearts which emits alcoholic smell when pulled out.
Stalk borer: The larvae feed on the leaf sheath or on mid rib for sometimes and then bore
into stalk by making circular holes in the rind. Dead hearts are also produced in young plants.
The larvae bore into one internode after another and move from one plant to another infesting
upto 90% canes in the field. Lodged or waterlogged fields are more severely infested.
78
Sugarcane mealy bug: Both nymphs and adults are found in the canes having tight fitted
sheaths. They drain away large quantity of sap from the canes. A sooty mould develops on the
secretions giving blackish appearance to the canes. Mottling diseases is also transmitted by
these bugs.
Tarai borer: During rainy season larva enters in the cane and feed in the form of tunnels and
the feeding portion becomes red in colour. Irrigation and high nitrogen application increase
the susceptibility. Release Tricoderma predator @50000/ha at 10 days interval from mid July
to October. Tricoderma is available from Sonepat Sugar Mill.
Ratoon management
Although sugarcane productivity has shown the increasing trend, a wide gap exists
between potential and existing productivity levels. Ratooning constitutes around 50% of the
total area under cane and ratoon productivity invariably falls below that of the plant cane,
even though ratoon crops are expected to have higher productivity and early maturity than the
plant crop.
Following points should be followed for higher ratoon productivity:
❖ Selection of sugarcane varieties which can give fair or better ratoon yield
❖ The crop should be timely harvested close to the ground.
❖ After stubble removal and burning of trashes the field should be given irrigation and
then inter cultivation by plough for providing better aeration to roots, for making soil
loose and root pruning. This helps in a quick root production and sprouting of ratoons.
This is termed as off-barring.
❖ The gaps in the ratoon crop should be attended.
o With pre-germinated settling raised through polybag system
o Taking the clumps from thickly populated area and filling the gaps
o Removing the clumps from one side of the plots and the place vacated in the
process may be replanted fresh.
80
❖ When all the above-mentioned operations are over the field should be given irrigation
according to the crop needs.
❖ Trash mulching helps to check the weeds, reduce water requirement and as organic
manure for soil.
❖ The crop should be provided an efficient drainage for draining out excess water from
the field.
❖ The weed control, earthing up, hoeing and plant protection measures should be
followed as they are done in the planted crop.
Harvesting
1. When sugarcane crop is matured enough, harvesting should be done timely. If immature sugarcane is
harvested or harvesting delayed after maturity, the content of sucrose decreased to a certain
extent. To judge the maturity of sugarcane crop, the following points should be considered.
2. Entire field (crop) becomes yellow in appearance.
3. Appearance of arrowing in arrow (tassel) emerging varieties.
4. While knocking/tapering to sugarcane stalks, the metallic sound is produced.
5. Swelling of eye buds.
6. Easy breaking of sugarcane stalk from the nodes.
7. Brix Saccharometer reading shows figure19 or above which indicate sugarcane maturity and
it is likely to be ready for harvest.
8. When sugar crystals are observed in sunlight for this sugarcane stalk cut across with sharp knife
and keeps against sunlight sparking of sugar crystals.
Irrigation should be stopped 15 days before harvesting just to increase the sucrose content. Sugarcane
stalks should be cut to the ground level with "Koyta" and dried leaves are stripped off from top most
mature internodes
BERSEEM
Botanical name: Trifolium alexandrinum

Common name: Egyptian clover
Uses:
It is one of the most suitable fodder crops with irrigation facilities. It remains soft, nutritive,
palatable and succulent at all stages of growth. Berseem is a highly liked fodder by the
animals. It can be mixed with wheat bran to increase its palatability and contents. Paddy-
Berseem crop rotation is used in reclaiming saline soils. The last cut of the berseem is
generally not taken as fodder, but is ploughed into the soil, which acts as green manure to the
soil and adds approximately 224 kg of nitrogen to the soil. Berseem can be converted into
good hay during March and April and is used after 2- 3 months when no other fodder is
available for animals. Powdered berseem hay is mixed with concentrates and is used as feed
to poultry birds. Berseem clover's greatest potential is probably as green-chopped forage or
pasture.
The fodder is rich in crude protein 20-24%, calcium 3%, phosphorus 0.4%, and digestible
dry matter 65-70 percent.
Soil requirement
Berseem can grow on all types of soils except very light sandy soil. The soil should be
well drained, rich in phosphorus, calcium and potash. It does not grow well on acid soils but
grow successfully on alkaline soils having good water retaining capacity. The land should be
well leveled. It does not tolerate water logging. It grows successfully in soil with pH 7 to 8.
Crop rotation
Sometime berseem crop is grown with Chinese cabbage, oats, paddy or maize. The
intercrops grow faster than berseem and add to the first cutting in quantity of fodder
produced, subsequently berseem gives sufficient fodder to meet the requirements. Addition of
other fodder crops can also improve the quality, nutritive value and palatability of the fodder.
Berseem grows in rotation with many cereal and forage crops. The most common rotations
are (1) Maize - Berseem - Cowpea, (2) Paddy – Berseem - Cowpea, (3)Cotton - Berseem, (4)
Bajra – Berseem - Cowpea + Maize, (5) Sorghum - Berseem.
98
Field preparation
Remove the grass, stubbles particularly doob grass root, as they cause difficulty later
on and level the land uniformly. Small sized beds (1/10 or 1/20 of an acre) are finally prepared
with bunds before sowing for easy irrigation.
Sowing time
Sowing is to be done in the end of September to end of October by broadcasting. Care

should be taken for proper sowing time as late sowing often hampers the fodder yield because
the onset of severe and harsh winter interferes with the crop growth in early stages.
Seed rate
Seed rate of 20 -25 kg/ha is recommended. Mix 1 kg of Japani sarson / Chinese

cabbage or 25 kg of oat seed for harvesting higher quantity of fodder at first cut.
Varieties
Varieties released GFY (t/ha)
Mescavi 80-90
Wardan 90-150
BL-1 100-120
BL-10 110-115
BL-22 90-100
JB-2 90-100
Bundel Berseem –2 (JHB 146) 58-85
UPB-110 50-65
BL-2 65-90
Bundel Berseem –3 (JHTB 96-4) 60-70
UPB-103 100-115
Haryana
100
1. Mescavi: Tillering is fast and provides 5-6 cuttings. The leaves of this variety are medium
in size and no cuts on the margins. Green fodder yield is 750 – 850 q/ha. The seeds of this
variety are medium in size and having yellowish appearance and are shinning. It gives an
additional seed yield of 4.5 – 5.5 q/ha.
101
2. Hisar Berseem 1: It is a new variety and recommended for cultivation in Haryana state. It
is fast growing, have more number of leaves, better quality and remains 8-10 days more green
than Mescavi. Green fodder yield is 700 – 750 q/ha. It is resistant to stem and root rot.
3. Hisar Berseem 2: It is recommended for cultivation in Haryana state. It is fast growing,
have more number of leaves, better quality and remains 8-10 days more green than Hisar
Berseem 1. Green fodder yield is 700 – 750 q/ha. It is resistant to stem and root rot.
The crop must be fertilized with 20 kg N + 70 kg P 2O5 /ha before sowing of crop. If the
crop is new to the field seed treatment be done with Rhizobium culture. If oat seed is mixed with
berseem, then an additional dose of nitrogen @ 40 kg/ha should also be added.
The first irrigation is very crucial and it must be applied after 3-5 days of sowing in
light soils whereas in heavy soils it can be delayed to 8-10 days. Later on irrigate the crop at
15-20 days interval depending upon the climatic conditions. During cold season it requires
less irrigation, while in hot seasons it requires more irrigation. Irrigation after each cutting is
also beneficial for regeneration.
Weed Management
The weeds also serve as fodder and do not make it necessary to pull them \out, but
some weeds like Cichorium has low content of protein, silica and crude fibre. as per
requirement. The crop usually matures in third week of April.
Diseases management
Diseases Causal organism Symptom Control
Stem rot Sclerectonia Collar region becomes Avoid excessive irrigation. Spray
trifoliorum necrotic with depressed 0.1% solution of Bavistine twice
lesions. Stems are during January and February at
girdled at the collar 15-20 days interval.Select disease
region resistant variety HB 1.
Root rot Rhizoctonia solani, Sudden complete wilting Crop sanitation Resistant
Fusarium of plant within a day. varieties Seed treatment with
semitactatum The affected plant can Thiram, Bavistine and
easily be pulled out Carbofuran @ 2.5g/kg
102
Insect management
Pests Symptom Control
Black ants They remove the germinating seeds Apply Methyl Parathian 2% dust
White grass It damages the crop in the month of Spray malathion @1 lt/ha in 750 lts of
hopper April. During this time more than water.
90% insect comes from the other If the crop is sown for seed purpose than
crops and damages the crop. apply 2% Methyl Parathian dust @ 25
kg/ha.
Harvesting:
First cutting is generally taken after 60 to 70 days, second after 35 to 40 days of first cutting, third and
fourth after 30 days of last cutting and 5th and 6th after 20 days of last cutting.
Subsequent harvest (cuttings) should be taken at 25-35 days interval depending upon the rate
of growth and temperature. The cutting should be done at about 5-7 cm height for better
and quick re-growth.
103
LUCERNE
Botanical name: Medicago sativa

Common name: Rijka
Nutritive aspects:
It is very much liked by the draft animals like horses, which possesses about 20% crude protein
with 72% digestibilty and 25% fibre. It’s green fodder contains 1.5% calcium, 0.2%
phosphorous and a considerable amount of vitamin A, B and D. It can also be easily converted
into silage and hay..
Lucerne is a widely adopted crop. It is cultivated in temperate to tropical regions of

world. It thrives best under warm, dry and sunny conditions. High temperature with high
humidity is not good for crop. Its plants can withstand fairly low temperature.
Soil requirement
Lucerne can be raised on a wide range of soils. However, well drained fertile soils
with neutral pH are ideal. It is very susceptible to acidic soil, therefore, it cannot be grown in
soil with pH below 6.5 unless lime is applied
104
Crop rotation
It is usually raised after harvest of kharif crops, such as sorghum, paddy, soybean,
maize, cowpea, clusterbean etc. It can be raised in rotation with almost every grain or forage
crop. The most common crop rotations adopted in north India are: Maize – lucerne,
Pearlmillet – lucerne, Paddy-lucerne, Soyabean-lucerne, Sorghum-lucerne, Cowpea+ maize
(fodder)-lucerne, Sorghum (grain)-lucerne-maize (fodder). It can be intercropped with Napier
grass also.
Field preparation
Lucerne requires a fine seed bed. There should not be left over residue of the previous
crop. The field must be ploughed 2-3 times with harrow before pre sowing irrigation. A
leveled field is required.
Sowing time
Best sowing time is last week of October to the first week of November.
Seed rate
A seed rate of 10-12 kg/ha is required.
Method of sowing
Seeding should be done in rows 30 cm apart at a depth of 4-5 cm in well moist soil.
Because of their hard seed coat, seed should be soaked overnight in water before seeding.
Like berseem, it must be inoculated with rhizobium culture (Rhizobium meliloti), if the
seeding is going to done for the first time in any field.
Varieties
Type-9: It is a quick growing variety attaining plant height of one meter at early flowering
stage. It has green foliage, slender stalks and purple coloured flowers. It gives on an average
400-600 q green fodder/ha. It contains on an average 22% crude protein on dry weight basis.
Once planted can provide green fodder for 4-5 years.
The other varieties are: Anand 2, Anand 3, NDRI selection No.1, IGFRI-S-54, IGFRI-
S-244 etc. recommended for different areas.
Basal dressing of 25 kg N and 100 kg P2O5/ha is required at sowing. The fertilizer must
be drilled at a depth of 10 cm. Later on 125 kg P 2O5/ha must be applied in the month of November
in the succeeding years.
105
First irrigation should be applied about a month after sowing. The subsequent
irrigations may be given at an interval of 10-15 days during summer, 15-20 days during
autumn and 20-25 days interval during winter season. During rainy season water should not
be allowed to stagnate.
Diseases management
Downey mildew: It appears generally in the month of January. Leaves become light green
with light brown growth of fungus on the lower side. Stem becomes short and rolling of
leaves may take place. Continue cutting and it will be removed in the next cutting with the
increase in temperature.
Rust: It is more prevalent in the 2nd fortnight of March with the increase in temperature to 30 oC
temperature. Small, round or oval shaped raised lesions which rupture with the touch give rise to
brown powder. In severe conditions falling of leaves takes place. For control, spray Dithane M
45 @ 0.25% and repeat after 20 days if required.
Leaf spot (Pseudopexia medicagenis): It is an air borne common disease of lucerne severe in
north and central India. Diseased plant turns yellow and leaves drop off. Early cut can cure
the crop to some extent. Dithane M-45 @ 0.2% or 0.1% Chlorothalonil is effective for its
control.
Harvesting
The first cut should be taken at about 55 to 60 days (two months) after sowing. The subsequent
forage cuts should be taken at an interval of 28-30 days in Rabi and 20 to 25 days during summer
season when crop reaches at 50% flowering stage. Flowering takes place later in winter
season than that of summer season. In all, five to seven cuttings are taken up to end of May.
With irrigation facilities, two-three additional cuts are possible in drier area also. Maximum
nutrients could be obtained during this stage, harvesting of Lucerne is delayed, the crude
protein content decreases, whereas, the crude fiber content increases.
Light intensity is more important in dry matter accumulation than temperature, thus, cloudiness retards
dry matter production. Although, early seeding growth require high temperature and normal growth
is favoured by low temperature of 15 to 20 ºC. IF Lucerne crop is sown at 15th October than
totally 7 cuts are harvested up to the month of May. Cutting should be done by keeping 7.0 cm
suitable height.
106
OAT
Botanical name: Avena sativa

Common name: Jai
Green fodder contains about 10-12% protein and 30-35% dry matter. Oats grain is used widely
for human consumption. The oat grain contains 66% Carbohydrate, 11% dietary fiber, 7% fat
and 17% protein.
Oat can be grown successfully for fodder purpose during rabi season under both irrigated
and rainfed conditions. It requires a cool temperature during germination, tillering and booting.
High temperature at blooming increases the proportion of empty spilkelets. The crop can be grown
at temperatures varying between 50 to 300C. However optimum temperature required is 250C.
Oats can be grown in areas where the annual rainfall ranges from 40-110 cm. Oats flourish in
cool and moist climates. At low temperature its germination is delayed, while grain production
is hampered by hot and dry weather, especially from heading to grain filling period.
107
Soil requirement
Oats can be grown on variety of soils. Almost any reasonable fertile, well-drained soil
is suited if temperature and moisture conditions are favorable. Oat has been shown to tolerate
acid soils with a pH of 4.5 but soil pH up to 5.3-5.7 range for higher yields and is also fairly
tolerant to salt conditions. It can be grown on all types of soils except the alkaline and water
logged ones. Oats generally make their best growth on loam soils, but produce satisfactory
yield on heavy or light soil.
Method of sowing, Seed rate and Time of sowing

It is recommended to take 75 kg/ha seed for small seeded varieties, while for bold
seeded varieties the seed rate is 100 kg/ha. It can be planted with kera or pora method
depending upon the moisture availability. It is always better to sow the crop with seed cum
fertilizer drill by maintaining row to row distance of 25 cm. The optimum sowing time is mid
October to mid November.
Varieties
Variety Optimum Time of Recommendation and characteristics Forage
sowing time harvest yield
(q/ha)
Haryana Multi cut- Feb.-March It is suitable for all districts of Haryana. It 550
Javi October is erect and tall growing. It has good
(HFO- Single cut- regeneration and is specially suited for
114) November multi-cut. Its seed size is very bold.
OS-6 November Feb.-March It is suitable for all the oat growing regions 575
of the country. It grows erect with more
early vigour. Leaves are relatively broad
and green in colour. Flag leaf remains
erect at the time of emergence of
panicle.
OS-7 November Feb.-March It is suitable for all districts of Haryana. It 590
grows erect with more early vigour.
Leaves are relatively broad and light green
in colour. Flag leaf remains erect at the
time of emergence of panicle.
Haryana Multi cut- Ist cut 60-65 Recommended for whole Haryana. 650
Javi 8 Mid.October DAS and Regenerates fast after Ist cut. Its leaves are
Single cut- IInd cut in green and broad. Grains are medium bold.
November- Feb. March
108
In general 3-4 irrigations are required. Irrigation should be applied at one month interval.
Irrigation is essential after each cutting in order to promote the regeneration of the plants.
Weed management
The vigorous growth habit of oats smothers the most of weeds. These can be
controlled with a modest application of a broadleaf herbicide, such as 2,4-D sodium salt @ 1
kg/ha spray in 500 liter water at 35 DAS.
Disease and pest management
Diseases/ Causal organism Symptoms Control

Insects
pests
Covered Ustilago kolleri Grains in ear of affected plants Seed treatment with
smut replaced by black mass of Emissan @ 2.5g/kg
smut spores. seed
Loose smut Ustlago avenae Grains transformed into Seed treatment with
black powdery mass of smut Vitavex or bavistin @
sori. 2g/kg seed
Aphid Rhapalosiphum Leaves, leaf sheath and Spray of plain water @

maidis inflorescence are covered 400 l/ha Application of
with dark green aphid malathion or endosulfan
colonies with a slight white @ 0.05% in the patches of
covering. aphid colony.
Mottling and distortion of
leaf may occur.
Nutrient management:
109
Well decomposed FYM @ 30 to 40 CL/ha should be applied at the time of land preparation. The chemical
fertilizer dose (N:P:K) is as under:
For one cut – 80:30:0
For two cut – 120:30:0
Harvesting
In a one cut management method, the harvesting should be done at 70-80 days after sowing (at 50% flowering).
In a two-cut management method, the first cut should be taken at 50 days after sowing and second cut should
be taken at 50% flowering. If crop is not harvested at 50% flowering i.e. if harvesting is delayed, the crude
protein content decreased, whereas, dry matter, fiber, neutral detergent fiber etc may increase which lower
the fodder quality.
110
References
 Handbook of Package of Practices issued by CCS Haryana Agricultural University
 Department of Agriculture, Haryana, http://agriharyana.gov.in/
 ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI),

http://atarijodhpur.res.in
 India Stat, http://www.indiaagristat.com

A Study On PoP of Major Crops Grown in Haryana

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Individual Project Report

“ A study on Package of Practices

Under the guidance of

It is a great pleasure to acknowledge my sincere thanks to Dr. Satish Chandra Pant,

 To know the different agricultural practices being performed by the farmers

Primary Data Collection:

Secondary Data Collection:

Assessment of Individual Project

Student Name: Mr./Ms. Manish Pal Roll No.: 1029

Project Title: A Study on Package of Practices of major crops grown in Haryana.

Sr.No Item Max Marks Marks awarded

Name of Project guide: Vasireddy Mani Chandana

Project Guide Signature with Stamp

Sr no. Particulars Page no.

1 Agriculture at a glance in Haryana

3 Acreage of major crops grown in Haryana

4 Indicative reference to the sowing time of crops

5 Achievements in principal crops of Haryana

6 Package of practices of Rice

7 Package of practices of Maize

8 Package of practices of Sorghum

9 Package of practices of Pearl Millet

10 Package of practices of Green gram

11 Package of practices of Cotton

12 Package of practices of Cowpea

13 Package of practices of Cluster bean

14 Package of practices of Wheat

15 Package of practices of Barley

16 Package of practices of Chickpea

17 Package of practices of Rapeseed & Mustard

19 Package of practices of Barseem

20 Package of practices of Lucerne

21 Package of practices of Oat

Geographical area 44.2 lakh ha

Agro Climatic Zones

Zones Districts included in the zone Major Crops taken

Arid Bhiwani, Mohindergarh, Rewari, Pearl Millet, Sorghum,

Dry Sub- Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Rice, Maize, Wheat,

Acreage of major crops grown in Haryana

Area under cultivation

Kharif Season Sowing Time Rabi Season Sowing Time

Cereals Rice Jun - Jul Wheat 1st Fortnight of

Oat Mid Oct– Mid

Sorghum 25 Jun – 10 Jul

Oilseeds Rapeseed & 25 Sept – 15

Fodder Cowpea Jun – Jul Barseem 25 Sept – Oct

Crop Production (in lakh tonnes) Increase

Rice 2.2 44.5 >20 times

Wheat 11 111 >10 times

Pearl Millet 3.2 9.6 > 3 times

Cotton 0.29 2.3 >7 times

Mustard 0.8 11 >13 times

Botanical name: Oryza sativa

Area and distribution

Crop season Local Name Sowing time Harvest time

Direct seeded Rice

Short duration dwarf varieties: 15 May to 30 June

Preparation of main field

(A) Non scented medium duration (136-150 days)

Variety Grain yield Remarks

PR 106 60 Takes 145 days upto maturity and sensitive against

(B) Non scented medium to early duration (120-135 days)

HKR 46 63 Flag leaf is large and straight growing in nature. It takes