Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that can be grown in all seasons. Its biggest advantage is that it matures within just 30 to 40 days, allowing farmers to earn good profits in a short time. Haji Chaudhary Bagban, a farmer from Bahraich district, has been cultivating spinach for years and has achieved remarkable success. His inspiring journey serves as a motivation for many farmers.
The ideal months for spinach cultivation are January-February, June-July, and September-October. However, with the right environmental conditions, it can be grown throughout the year. Spinach thrives best in cool and temperate climates, but certain varieties can also be successfully cultivated in warmer conditions.
Spinach can be sown using the broadcasting method or in rows. A seed rate of 20-25 kg per hectare is sufficient. The crop is generally ready for harvest within 30-40 days. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm, with a row spacing of 20-25 cm and a plant-to-plant distance of 5 cm.
The first harvest should be done 25-30 days after sowing, once the leaves reach a length of 15-30 cm. It is important to cut the leaves 5-6 cm above the roots to allow the plant to regrow. After the first cut, the crop regenerates, allowing for 3-4 harvests. On average, farmers can obtain a yield of 80-100 quintals per hectare.
Irrigation and Fertilizer Management:
Summer, irrigation should be done every 5-6 days, while in winter, watering every 10-12 days is sufficient. Before sowing, it is recommended to apply 10-15 tons of organic manure per hectare. Additionally, applying nitrogen (30-40 kg), phosphorus (25 kg), and potash (20 kg) per hectare significantly enhances crop growth and yield.
How to Maximize Profits from Spinach Farming?
Farmers who grow spinach for the fresh market earn higher profits. Fresh spinach sells for ₹25-30 per kg in the market, generating an income of ₹50,000-70,000 per acre.
For processing and wholesale markets, the first harvest is done within 38-55 days, and harvesting can continue for up to 60-80 days. Instead of uprooting the entire plant at once, multiple harvests (2-3 times) result in higher profits.
A Profitable Farming Option for Farmers:
Haji Chaudhary Bagban from Bahraich emphasizes that spinach farming is a profitable venture with low investment and high returns. Since it grows quickly and is harvested early, it fetches a good price in the market.
Key Benefits of Spinach Farming:
By adopting advanced spinach farming techniques, farmers can maximize their profits in a short time.
