Field preparation :

• Thoroughly prepare the field with the addition of FYM @ 25 t/ ha and form ridges and furrows at a spacing of 60 cm. Apply 2 kg/ha of Azospirillum and 2 kg / ha of Phosphobacteria by mixing with 20 kg of FYM. Irrigate the furrows and transplant 40-45 days old seedlings, with the ball of earth on the ridges.

Spacing :

• Varieties : 60 x 45 cm
• Hybrids : 75 x 60 cm

Weed control :

• Apply Pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i. / ha or Fluchloralin 1.0 kg a.i. / ha as pre-emergece herbicide followed by hand weeding once 30 days after planting.

Irrigation :

• Irrigate is done at weekly intervals.

Layout and planting for drip irrigation and fertigation :

• Apply FYM @ 25 t / ha as basal before last ploughing.
• Apply 2 kg / ha of Azospirillum and 2 kg/ha Phosphobacteria by mixing with 20 kg of FYM.
• Apply 75 % total recommended dose of superphosphate i.e. 375 kg / ha as basal.
• Install the drip irrigation with main and sub main pipes and place lateral tubes at an interval of 1.5 m.
• Place the drippers in lateral tubes at an interval of 60 cm and 50 cm spacing with 4 LPH and 3.5 LPH capacities respectively.
• Form raised beds of 120 cm width at an interval of 30 cm and place the laterals at the centre of the each bed.
• Before planting wet the beds using drip system for 8-12 hrs.
• Planting to be done at a spacing of 90 x 60 x 45 cm in the paired row system, using ropes marked at 60 cm spacing.
• Spray Pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i. / ha or Fluchloralin 1.0 kg a.i / ha as pre-emergence herbicide at 3rd day after planting.
• Gap filling to be done at 7th day after transplanting..