Author: mohitalw9

The Unique and Healthy Fruit Kokum: Easy Steps to Grow

A tropical fruit known by the name of kokum is used in medicine and cooking. It is typically found in coastal regions and has a sour taste. Herbal remedies, coolers, and curries are all made with the extract. Kokum is in great demand due to its large profit margin and low maintenance requirements. An organised procedure can help you produce a wholesome kokum crop. This blog goes into detail about every stage of growing kokum. Farmers who are working on planting and soil preparation find life simpler with modern tractors like the Mahindra Novo. Now, let’s get into further detail about growing kokum.

Understanding Kokum Cultivation

Every crop farming is comprised of different processes, and by following them, farmers can harvest better yields. So, we are presenting the important steps for kokum farming that you need to follow. 

Finding the Right Location

The aromatic fruit Kokum grows well in warm, humid, and tropical climates. Particularly in areas where rainfall takes place moderately, and the sun shines regularly. The plant grows in coastal and low-altitude areas with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. The sufficient humidity levels during the fruiting season support strong growth and healthy fruits.

Kokum roots don’t like waterlogged areas. It is important to choose land that has a slopy surface so that the water can flow easily. The type of soil is also a crucial factor when it comes to growing kokum. Kokum thrives best in sandy loam or well-drained lateritic soils as they enhance root growth. Check the soil’s acidity level by conducting a PH test. Optimal plant health is achieved by maintaining a slightly acidic pH level around 5.5 to 6.5. Before planting, organic compost or farmyard manure should be added to the soil if it lacks nutrients.

Land Preparation

Getting the soil ready is seen as the foundation for establishing a prosperous kokum orchard. First, the weeds, stones, and other debris must be removed from the ground. Ploughing the field numerous times helps to loosen the soil, allowing roots to grow deep and absorb nutrients more effectively.

Evaluate soil quality by conducting a soil examination. Assess the soil’s nutrient composition and measure its pH. If the pH falls lower than the target range, include lime to balance the acidity. To counteract high pH, soil can be supplemented with sulphur or organic compost. Add vermicompost, chicken manure, or well-decomposed animal waste to the soil to increase its fertility. Tractors such as the Sonalika di 35 rx provide excellent productivity for small-scale farmers. Furthermore, the Sonalika tractor di 35 rx price is reasonable, allowing farmers to stay within their budget.

Selecting Quality Saplings

Choosing healthy kokum saplings is the initial stage in establishing a successful orchard. Make sure to buy saplings from approved nurseries to guarantee they are pest and disease-free. Choose grafted plants over seed-grown ones for quicker maturation and earlier fruit production. Inspect the saplings for consistent growth, healthy green foliage, and strong root structures. It is crucial to ensure that the young plants come from kokum varieties that yield a high amount of produce in order to optimize your output. Choosing the right trees will result in better durability and productivity for your kokum trees over time.

Planting Techniques

For kokum trees to develop healthily, proper spacing is important. Kokum trees spread out, and crowding can cause competition for nutrients, water, and sunshine. Plants should be spaced five to six meters apart to allow for enough air circulation and root expansion.

Make trenches around 60 cm deep and 60 cm wide before planting. Setting out the pits in advance lets the dirt settle and keeps the area surrounding the roots from being compacted. To provide a nutrient-rich basis for the sapling, combine dirt, organic compost, and farmyard manure in the hole. To avoid infection, make sure the root ball of the sapling rests comfortably in the pit and that the graft union, if any, is elevated above the ground.

Irrigation

Watering young kokum plants frequently is necessary, particularly in the heat. Steer clear of excessive watering as this might cause root rot. Due to their thick roots, established plants require less water. One efficient way to supply consistent moisture and save water is through drip irrigation.

Fertilisation

Use compost and cow manure as organic fertilisers twice a year. Utilise fertilisers high in nitrogen throughout the growth season. The health of the plant is guaranteed and fruit output is increased with proper fertilisation.

Pruning and Weeding

Regular pruning of kokum plants is necessary to get rid of unhealthy or dead branches. Pruning increases the amount of sunshine and air movement. Eliminate weeds often to avoid competing for nutrients.

Common Pests

Although kokum plants are generally resistant to pests, they might nevertheless encounter problems like aphids or fruit borers. To manage pests, apply natural insecticides such as neem oil. Frequent monitoring aids in prevention and early discovery.

Disease Prevention

Typical kokum illnesses include leaf spot and root rot. To lower the risk of illness, avoid overwatering and keep the right distance between plants. When required, use fungicides; however, for environmental reasons, use organic solutions instead.

Harvesting

After five to seven years of cultivation, kokum fruits are ready for harvest. Select mature purple or deep-red fruits. When the fruits are completely ripe, which is often in April and May, harvesting takes place.

Post-Harvest Processing

Process kokum fruits immediately after harvesting to maintain quality. Sun-dry the fruit rind to make kokum butter or powder. Store dried products in airtight containers to preserve freshness. Kokum juice can also be extracted and bottled for commercial purposes.

Benefits of Kokum Cultivation

Market Demand

Kokum is in high demand for its unique flavour and medicinal properties. It is widely used in the food and beverage industry. Farmers can earn good profits by selling kokum products locally or exporting them.

Environmental Benefits

Kokum trees improve soil health and prevent erosion. They are well-suited for agroforestry systems, supporting sustainable farming practices.

Conclusion

Kokum is a profitable and sustainable farming process. Not everyone takes much care of this unique fruit, and by giving the same proper care and attention, you can enjoy its benefits. From the suitable location for growing to the harvesting and processing, every step is essential for kokum cultivation. With the help of these guidelines within this blog post, you can successfully cultivate kokum and contribute to the rising demand for this versatile fruit.

Farmers of kokum may benefit in the long run by prompt insect management, regular upkeep, and efficient harvesting techniques.

Pea Farming in India: Cultivation and Market Value

Indian farmers have been cultivating peas for a long time. They are used in many recipes, and the yield from this crop is lucrative for farmers in the country. Peas are cultivated for their green pods and seeds and even fed to livestock as fodder. The demand for peas in domestic and international markets is high.

Let’s learn more about pea farming in India, its cultivation methods, and its market value. We will also discover the use of farm machinery required in agriculture to boost productivity.

Pea farming in India: Introduction

Pea farming has expanded drastically in India. This is because peas are not only consumed domestically but also exported and traded internationally. Peas can grow in a wide range of climates. They are grown as rabi crops in the states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar between October and November. However, they are harvested in March or April.

Types of Peas cultivated in India

There are two main types of peas grown in India. Depending on the demand and supply, farmers pick the variety to grow. Let’s learn in detail:

Green peas (Pisum sativum var. Hortense) 

Green peas are raised for tenderness, like pods, and are used as vegetables. They are also packed with vitamins.

Field peas (Pisum sativum var. arvense) 

Field peas are cultivated for their dry seeds, which are used as pulses in diets and for feeding animals.

Climate and Soil Conditions Requirement 

Peas grow well in cool climate regions and temperate regions. They are best grown at a range of 10-25°C. This is because either extreme heat or frost can be harmful to the crop.

Soil   

The appropriate climate for peas is frost tender, which ideally grows in well-drained, loamy soil with enough organic content. The soil PH must be between 6 and 7. 5 for optimum growth. It is necessary to apply compost or farmyard manure prior to planting the crop to check for the healthy fertility of the soil.

Irrigation

Peas require moderate water. Excessive watering is likely to cause rot at the roots, while inadequate watering stunts the plant. An adequate water supply is required, and farmers are advised to water their crops at these two stages: flowering and pod formation.

Steps for cultivation 

For high-quality pea yield, farmers have to follow proper cultivation process methods and ensure some farm measures as well. Let’s learn in detail :

Land Preparation

Land preparation is critical when growing peas before planting. After that, the field is ploughed, and weeding is done to remove unwanted weeds and insects. Farmers till and level the soil before the sowing process. 

Seed Selection and Sowing

Always pick the right seeds and purchase the best quality seeds.  Premium seeds will always yield better and improve germination than unhealthy ones. The pea seeds are normally placed 4-6 cm deep in the soil using a seed sowing tool by hand or through a seed drill machine. A tractor like the Mahindra Novo tends to make the sowing process more efficient in a short time and with less effort.

Fertilization

Peas are legume plants that can fix the nitrogen compounds present in the air for use by other plants. However, a limited amount of nitrogenous fertilizer recommended at the time of planting can be used. Further, it is suggested that phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be used if required to enhance the growth of the pods.

Weed Control

A weed inhibits the growth of peas as it competes for nutrients, water, and the sun’s rays. The crop must grow well, and timely weeding is needed for this. One can also use indigenous organic matter such as straw or leaves in mulching to inhibit the growth of weeds while conserving moisture in the soil.

Pest and Disease Management

Pea crops are vulnerable to pests such as aphids, pod borer, and diseases, including powdery mildew and wilt.  Pest control methods like pest repellants, pest-resistant crops, or farmer practices are recommended, including the use of natural PID or bio-control. Crop rotation also takes measures to diminish the risks of diseases affecting plants.

Harvesting

Peas are ready for harvesting 2-3 months after planting, depending on the variety. For green peas, harvesting is done when the pods are still tender. However, for dry peas, farmers wait for the pods to mature and dry. The harvesting process can be done manually or with the help of machinery to speed up the work.

Framers use tractors like Swaraj Code to transport produce from the field to the market or cold storage.

Market Value of Pea in India 

The market value of peas depends on the variety, quality, and season. Green peas, being a fresh vegetable, fetch higher prices during the off-season when they are not readily available in the market. The price of green peas can range between ₹30 to ₹100 per kg, depending on demand and supply.

Dry peas are also in high demand, especially in the processing industry, where they are used to make split peas, pea flour, and snacks. The price of dry peas typically ranges from ₹25 to ₹50 per kg, depending on the variety and market conditions.

India also exports a significant amount of peas to countries like the United States, the UAE, and European nations. Their quality and competitive pricing drive the demand for Indian peas in the global market. This has opened up new opportunities for farmers who wish to expand their operations and target international markets.

Conclusion

Pea farming in India is a profitable venture, provided farmers adopt the right cultivation techniques and use modern farm machinery. By choosing high-quality seeds, maintaining soil health, and effectively managing pests and diseases, farmers can achieve high yields.

Moreover, the growing demand for peas, both in the domestic and international markets, offers a bright future for pea farmers in India. By staying updated about market trends and investing in efficient farming tools, farmers can ensure the long-term success of their pea farming operations.