Mustard Farming and The Steps Involved in It
Mustard farming is an important agricultural activity in India, and it provides employment and income to a large number of farmers and rural communities. These are the general steps involved in mustard farming, and the actual steps and techniques may vary depending on the specific region, climate, and farming practices.
Mustard is one of the important oilseed crops grown in India. The major mustard-producing states in India are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Bihar.
Mustard farming in India usually starts in October and November, with the arrival of monsoon rains. The mustard crop is sown on well-prepared land, with good soil fertility and adequate moisture. The mustard plants are usually grown in rows, with a spacing of 20-25 cm between the rows and 10-15 cm between the plants.
The mustard crop is harvested in February and March after the plants have matured and the pods have turned yellow. The harvesting is done either by hand or by using machines. After the harvest, the mustard plants are threshed to separate the seeds from the pods.
The mustard seeds are then cleaned, graded, and packed for sale or for processing into mustard oil. Mustard oil is an important cooking oil in India, and it is also used in the manufacture of pickles, sauces, and other food products.
Overall, mustard farming is an important agricultural activity in India, and it provides employment and income to a large number of farmers and rural communities.
General Steps Involved in Mustard Farming in India:
These are the general steps involved in mustard farming, and the actual steps and techniques may vary depending on the specific region, climate, and farming practices.
Land Preparation
The land is prepared by ploughing and harrowing to make it ready for sowing. The soil is loosened, levelled, and made free from weeds, stones, and other debris.
Seed Selection
High-quality seeds are selected based on their purity, germination rate, and disease resistance. Farmers can purchase certified seeds from government seed agencies or reputed seed companies.
Sowing
Mustard seeds are sown in rows using drills, broadcasting, or dibbling methods. The optimum time for sowing is between mid-October to mid-November, depending on the climatic conditions and region.
Irrigation
An adequate water supply is essential for proper germination and growth of the mustard crop. The frequency and amount of irrigation depend on the soil moisture level, temperature, and rainfall.
Fertilization
The mustard crop requires sufficient nutrients for better growth and yield. The fertilizers like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium are applied at different stages of crop growth.
Pest and Disease Control
The mustard crop is prone to many pests and diseases that can affect the yield. Farmers use various methods to control pests and diseases like crop rotation, cultural practices, and chemical pesticides.
Harvesting
The mustard crop is ready for harvesting after 100-120 days of sowing when the plants start turning yellow and the pods start drying. The crop is cut and stacked in the field for drying.
Threshing and Cleaning
The dried crop is threshed to separate the seeds from the pods. The seeds are cleaned and graded based on their size, shape, and colour.
Storage
The graded seeds are stored in a cool and dry place to maintain their quality and prevent them from fungal and insect attacks.
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