Fasals

Climate / Temperature: Okra is a warm-season crop that can be grown throughout the year. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is believed to have originated in Ethiopia. The plant thrives especially well in tropical and subtropical regions. In India, the primary states for okra cultivation include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. This crop is mainly cultivated for its green fruits, which are highly valued. Additionally, dried pods and husks are utilized in the paper industry, while the extracted fiber has various uses. Okra is an important source of vitamins, protein, calcium, and other minerals.

Water Demand:

Adequate moisture is essential for the optimal growth of okra, particularly during the germination phase. Irrigation should be provided before sowing to ensure soil moisture, especially in the summer months. After germination, watering is required every 4-5 days during summer and every 10-12 days during the rainy season.

Soil: Okra can be grown in various soil types, but it prefers well-drained sandy loam to clayey soil rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.5. Saline, alkaline, or poorly drained soils are unsuitable for okra cultivation.

Major Varieties:

• Punjab No. 13: Developed by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Suitable for both summer and spring seasons, it produces medium-sized light green fruits and is tolerant to the yellow vein mosaic virus.
• Punjab Padmini: Another variety from Punjab Agricultural University, featuring hairy, dark green, and quickly maturing fruits. The crop can be harvested 55-60 days after sowing, yielding an average of 40-48 quintals per acre.
• Punjab 7: Resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus and certain pests, yielding about 40 quintals per acre.
• Punjab 8: Developed by Pusa Swami, this variety produces dark green fruits measuring 15-16 cm at harvest and is resistant to yellow vein mosaic and fruit borer.
• Punjab Suhavni: Offers an average yield of 49 quintals per acre, with dark green fruits and resistance to the yellow vein mosaic virus.

Other important varieties include:

• Pusa Mahakali: Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, featuring light green fruits.
• Parbhani Kranti: Produces medium-sized long fruits with good storage qualities, tolerant to the yellow vein mosaic virus. It matures in 120 days with a yield of 40-48 quintals per acre.
• Pusa Sawani: Another IARI variety suitable for summer and rainy seasons, maturing in 50 days with dark green fruits measuring 10-12 cm long. It yields 48-60 quintals per acre.
• Arka Anamika: Developed by IIHR, Bangalore, and resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus.

Sowing of Crops:

Field preparation involves deep tillage (5-6 times), leveling the soil, and incorporating 100 quintals of organic manure per acre during the final tillage. Okra can be intercropped with the main crop using similar sowing methods.

Suitable Time of Sowing: Northern Indian regions, okra is sown during the rainy and spring seasons. The ideal months for sowing in the rainy season are June-July, while for the spring season, they are February-March.

Field Preparation: Prepare the field by deep tilling (5-6 times) and leveling it. During the final tillage, mix in high-quality organic manure (100 quintals per acre). Furrows should be made for sowing. Okra can be sown by hand, using a dibbler, or with a seed drill.

Crop Cycle: The crop takes about 60-70 days to mature. Regular monitoring and maintenance are essential during the growth cycle.

Water Management: Irrigation is crucial, especially during the early stages of growth. In summer, watering should occur every 4-5 days, while during the rainy season, it should be done every 10-12 days, depending on rainfall.

Weed Management: Regular hoeing is necessary to control weeds. In rainy season crops, soil should be mounded around the rows. The first weeding should occur 20-25 days after sowing, with a second weeding 40-45 days after. Pre-emergent herbicides like fluchloralin (48%) or pendimethalin can be used to prevent weed growth.

Harvesting: Harvesting occurs 60-70 days after sowing. It is crucial to pick young and tender fruits in the morning or evening. Late harvesting can lead to fibrous and tasteless pods.

Diseases & Disease Prevention:

• Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease: Characterized by yellow stripes on leaves, it affects growth and fruit quality, causing a yield reduction of 80-90%. Prevention includes using resistant varieties and removing infected plants. Control whiteflies by spraying dimethoate (300 ml per 200 liters of water).
• Powdery Mildew: Causes white spots on leaves and can lead to fruit drop. Treat with soluble sulfur (25 grams in 10 liters of water) or dinocap (5 ml in 10 liters of water).
• Root Rot: Affects roots, turning them dark brown. Prevention includes practicing crop rotation and treating seeds with carbendazim before sowing.
• Drought: Initial symptoms include yellowing of older leaves, which can lead to total crop loss. If drought symptoms appear, spray carbendazim (10 grams per 10 liters of water) near the roots.

Post-Harvest Management: Okra should not be stored for extended periods. It can be kept for a short time at 7-10°C with 90% humidity. For local markets, pack it in jute bags, while for longer storage, use cardboard boxes.