Plant Nutrient Management

• 9-11 ton/ha of FYM is recommended.
• 15-20:40-60:30-40 kg NPK/ha is suitable.
• In addition, 15-20 kg ZnSO4/ha and 30-40 kg S/ha gives better yield.
• OM/FYM application improves soil structure and enhances water holding capacity.
• Apply phosphatic and potassic fertilizers at least 5cm away to the side of seed since the seedlings are sensitive to nutrient toxicity.

Irrigation management

• Single irrigation is done at flowering since it is drought resistant crop.
• Proper drainage is required to avoid stagnation.
• The crop requires 2-3 irrigation throughout the crop growth period.
• However, considerations must be made to avoid excess irrigation since it is susceptible to blight and water logging.

Weed management

• Weeds leads yield loss upto 90%.
• The period of first 30-42 days is critical from weed-crop competition.
• The major weeds include:

a) Cyperus rotundus

b) Echinochloa sp.

c) Digitaria sp.

d) Amaranthus sp.

e) Euphorbia sp.

f) Commelina benghalensis.

• For the suppression of weeds, a high plant density of short duration dwarf varieties or intercropping can be maintained.
• 2-3 manual weeding throughout the crop period manages the weeds properly.
• 1st weeding at 25-30DAS, 2nd at 60DAS and 3rd at the time of flowering is beneficial.
• Application of Alachlor/Metolachlor/Pendimethalin @1 kg a.i./ha and Oxadiazone @0.75kg a.i./ha as preemergence spray can control weeds effectively.

Harvesting

• Whole plant is cut when most of the pods are dried for few days in sun then manual threshing is done.
• The seeds are then dried to a moisture level of up to 10% before storage.
• The seeds are stored in air tight metallic bins in dry and cool place.

Yield

• Rainfed: 10-15 quintal/ha.
• Irrigated: 15-20 quintal/ha.
• Improved: 2-4 t/ha.