Gonda: Cabbage cultivation in winter season provides an opportunity for farmers to earn good income at low cost. Agricultural experts say that if farmers adopt some small measures, the production of cabbage can be doubled and a good price can also be obtained in the market. Let us know the easy and effective tips given by agricultural scientist Dr. Avnish Mishra which are as follows. Prepare the field properly, select a good variety, plant seedlings at the right time, irrigate from time to time, use organic fertilizers, pay attention to pest control.
While talking to Local 18, agricultural scientist Dr. Avnish Kumar Mishra tells that when farmers want to cultivate cabbage, they should pay special attention to these things. If they do farming according to the mentioned formula, then the cost will also be less and the yield will be good. Field preparation is the most important step for good yield of cabbage. First of all, plow the field thoroughly two to three times, so that the soil becomes crumbly. After that make the ground level by placing a leveler. Cabbage does not want much moisture in the soil, hence it is very important to have proper drainage in the field. If water stagnates in the field, the risk of plant rot increases.
choose good variety
Dr . Avnish Kumar Mais says that the biggest challenge for the farmers is to select a good variety of cabbage. Selection of a good variety determines half the success in cabbage cultivation. Farmers choose hybrid or improved varieties according to their soil and climate. Some popular varieties like Pusa Himalata, Pusa Snowball, Krishi Hybrid give good yield and are more tolerant to diseases. Good seeds increase the yield and also reduce the cost of farming.
Plant seedlings at the right time
According to Dr. Mishra, the right time to prepare cabbage nursery is considered to be September to October and November to December. Plants in the nursery are ready in 20–25 days. As soon as the plant develops 4-5 leaves, it should be transplanted to the main field. If planting is done late, the plants become weak and the size of the cabbage also remains small.
Irrigation regularly and in correct quantity
Dr. Avnish Kumar Mishra explains that irrigation is an important part of cabbage cultivation. Do the first irrigation immediately after transplantation, so that the plants get established properly. He told that light irrigation should be done in the morning and evening for 10 to 15 days after planting cabbage. Due to this the plant grows and the plant takes root well. After that keep doing light irrigation at an interval of 7–10 days. There is a risk of rot and disease in the plants due to excessive watering, hence give water only in limited quantity. It is most important to water at the time of flowering.
use organic fertilizers
He explains that the use of organic fertilizers is very beneficial to get good yields at low cost. Country manure, rotten cow dung manure, vermi compost and neem cake increase the fertility of the field. This maintains moisture in the soil and the plants get all the necessary nutrients. With the use of organic fertilizers, the taste of cabbage also improves and its price is higher in the market.
Pay attention to pest and disease control
He said that cabbage is often attacked by leaf roll, aphids, blight and caterpillars. Farmers should take care of the fields from time to time and use biological medicines or pheromone traps as soon as pests are seen. Neem solution is also a great option, which keeps pests away and also costs less. The yield can decrease significantly as the disease progresses, hence it is important to be cautious from the beginning. If any plant is suffering from diseases then it should be uprooted and thrown away. Otherwise, the disease can spread to many plants because of that plant.
He explains that if farmers adopt simple measures like proper field preparation, good variety, timely transplantation, regular irrigation, organic fertilizers and pest control, then double the profit can be earned from cabbage farming. There is always a demand for cabbage in the market, so with a little care and hard work, this crop can prove to be the most profitable crop of the cold season for the farmers.
