Matar ki fasal or pea crop is a popular winter crop in India, which is cultivated mainly for its tender, round, and sweet peas. Though the crop is relatively easy to grow, some basic steps can help to ensure a better yield and growth. Here, we present some essential steps for better growth in matar ki fasal.
1. Selection of the right variety: The first and foremost step in ensuring a healthy pea crop is selecting the right variety. You need to check several factors while selecting the variety, including soil type, local climate, seed quality, and intended usage.
2. Preparation of soil: Since matar ki fasal requires well-drained and fertile soil for better growth, you need to prepare the soil properly. It involves loosening the soil by plowing or tilling, adding organic manure, and maintaining the ideal pH levels.
3. Timely sowing: The timing of sowing is crucial for the growth and development of the pea crop. You need to sow the seeds at the ideal time to ensure better yields. Generally, matar ki fasal is sowed in October-November in the plains and September-October in the hills.
4. Proper seed treatment: Before sowing the seeds, it is crucial to treat them with fungicides and insecticides to avoid diseases and pests. You can also add bio-fertilizers such as Rhizobium to the soil to facilitate nitrogen fixation.
5. Water management: Proper water management is essential for the healthy growth of the pea crop. It involves irrigating the crop with adequate water at the right time intervals. Over-watering or under-watering can severely impact the growth of the matar ki fasal.
6. Pest and disease management: Pea crop is susceptible to several pests and diseases, such as aphids, powdery mildew, and wilt. To avoid these issues, you need to regularly monitor the crop and take appropriate measures, such as spraying insecticides or fungicides.
7. Harvesting and post-harvest management: The pea crop is ready for harvesting in about 100-120 days after sowing. You need to harvest the crop at the right time, collect the peas carefully, and store them in cool, dry places to avoid spoilage.
In conclusion, the above steps can help to ensure better growth and yield of matar ki fasal. With proper selection of variety, soil preparation, timely sowing, seed treatment, water and pest management, and harvesting and post-harvest management, you can enjoy a bumper harvest of sweet and tasty peas.