Janjgir-Champa: A new initiative has been started in the direction of crop cycle change in the district. For the first time, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Janjgir has planted the improved pineapple variety ‘Rani’ at the research level. Senior scientist Dr. K.D. Under the technical guidance of Mahant, intercropping farming is being promoted among the mango orchards by planting two thousand saplings in 50 decimal area. This initiative will create huge potential in the form of new crop possibilities and profitable alternative agricultural models in the district.
Cultivation of this variety for the first time
Dr. KD Mahant, senior scientist and head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said that for the first time, after the successful cultivation of excellent marigold for the purpose of crop rotation change, intercropping among mango trees has been promoted. Cultivation of pineapple (pine apple) variety Rani is being started on a large scale in 50 decimals. Dr. Mahant said that this fruit will be good according to the hot and humid climate of the district. Temperature of 20 to 35 is suitable for this, loam and sandy loam soil is best for its cultivation. Its PH value is slightly acidic around 4.5 to 6.5, there should not be stagnation of water, there should be good drainage system, for this, long sunlight and light shade are very important, it is beneficial to cultivate it by making beds or beds.
Farmers should do farming like this
While giving information to the farmers, it was said that for planting pineapple, the sucker should be deepened by 30 to 40 cm. The slip is prepared from 25 to 30 cm and the crown is the top part with the leaf of the fruit. The distance from row to row is 60 to 70 cm and the distance from plant to plant is 30 to 40 cm. Also, double row system gives more production. For manure and fertilizer, 200 to 250 kg of Neem cake and 12 kg, 6 kg of water and 12 kg per acre are mixed in the soil near the plant two to three times. For irrigation, drip method is considered good.
Dr. Mahant told that by mulching moisture is maintained and weeds grow less. Let us tell you that the main diseases include root rot and heart rot. To avoid waterlogging, copper, oxychloride, mancozeb can be sprayed from time to time. Pests like mealybug and nematode etc. can come. After flowering, fruits are ready in 5 to 6 months. When the fruits turn light yellow, they should be harvested.
Dr. Mahant told that compared to paddy, pineapple cultivation has the potential to give more profit to the farmers, because pineapple cultivation is an economical and low management crop, the cost of planting per acre can be around Rs 10 per plant. And the cost of fertilizer, water and field preparation is also less as compared to other crops. Farmers can easily start its cultivation by using unused land, organic waste or kitchen waste in the district. Farmers can earn up to Rs 3 lakh from its cultivation. Under the initiative of KVK, preparations are also being made to provide saplings to the farmers.
