Sure, here’s an article on early sowing varieties of mustard:
Mustard is an important crop in India and has been grown for centuries. It is widely used in various cuisines and is also cultivated for its medicinal properties. Mustard can be grown in different seasons, but the early sowing varieties of mustard have gained popularity among farmers due to their high yield potential. In this article, we will look at some of the important information regarding early sowing varieties of mustard.
1. Best time for sowing: The best time for sowing early varieties of mustard is from mid-September to mid-October. The seeds should be sown before the onset of winter season as this variety requires a cool temperature of around 10-15 degrees Celsius for proper growth.
2. Seed rate and spacing: The recommended seed rate for early varieties of mustard is 2 kg per acre. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm with a row spacing of 30-45 cm.
3. Varieties of mustard: There are different varieties of mustard available for early sowing such as Pusa Bold, Pusa Gold, and Varuna. These varieties are high yielding and tolerant to diseases like Alternaria blight and white rust.
4. Soil requirements: Mustard grows well in well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. The soil should be free from any weeds, insect pests, or fungal diseases before sowing the seeds.
5. Fertilizer management: Mustard requires a good amount of nutrients for proper growth and development. The recommended dose of fertilizers for early sowing varieties of mustard is 80 kg N, 40 kg P2O5, and 40 kg K2O per acre. Additionally, farmers can also apply organic manure or compost to improve soil fertility.
6. Irrigation management: Mustard needs regular watering for good growth and yield. Farmers should provide irrigation at an interval of 10-12 days during the vegetative stage and at an interval of 6-8 days during the flowering stage.
7. Harvesting and post-harvest management: The early sowing varieties of mustard take around 140-150 days to mature. They are ready for harvesting when the pods turn yellow and start drying. The harvested crop should be dried in the sun for 3-4 days before threshing. Farmers can also store the seeds in jute bags in a cool and dry place.
In conclusion, early sowing varieties of mustard have gained popularity among farmers due to their high yield potential. Farmers should follow the recommended practices for sowing, fertilization, irrigation, and post-harvest management to get good yield and quality seeds. It is also important to choose the right variety based on the agro-climatic conditions of the region.