Guide to Start Amaranthus Farming – Package of Practices
Amaranthus Farming Package of Practices introduction:
In this post, we will let you know about Amaranthus Farming Package of Practices, Amaranthus cultivation tips, Amaranthus farming guide, the economic importance of Amaranthus Farming,scientific name of Amaranthus, seed rate in Amaranthus cultivation, Amaranthus varieties, insect pests, diseases and management in Amaranthus Farming, Economics of Amaranthus farming, harvesting and yield of Amaranthus.
Crop: Amaranthus
Scientific name: Amaranthus spp.
Common name/Vernacular name:
- Slender amaranth,
- Green amaranth,
- Redroot pigweed.
Economic importance of Amaranthus:
It is a warm-season leafy vegetable grown for its tender leaves. Its leaves and stem are excellent sources of iron, calcium, vitamin A and C. Its grain is a good source of protein and essential amino acids like lysine, leucine, etc.
List of Amaranthus Hybrid varieties:
- Pusa Kiran
List of Amaranthus Local varieties:
- Co 1, Co 2, Co 3,
- Mohini,
- Pusa Chotti Chaulai,
- Pusa Badi Chaulai,
- Arka Suguana,
- Arka Arunima,
- Pusa Keerthi,
Pre sowing Package of Practices in Amaranthus Farming Package of Practices:
Land preparation in Amaranthus Farming: This crop grows well in both tropical and sub-tropical regions. The pH of the soil is 5.5-7.5 for optimum growth. Temperature range of 25o– 28oC is optimum for its growth. Amaranthus grows on well-drained sandy loam soils high in organic matter. The land is ploughed to a fine tilth and pulverized to make it free from clods. Well decomposed farmyard manure @ 25 t/ha is applied at the time of the last ploughing. This crop is highly tolerant of drought conditions.
Sowing time and seed rate for Amaranthus Farming: In North India, it is sown at the end of March whereas, in South India, it is grown almost throughout the year. The seed rate for direct sowing is 2 kg/ ha and for a transplanted crop is about 1 kg/ ha. In direct sown crop, the seeds are mixed with sand because of its small size and it is sown shallowly. Here, the seed is either sown by broadcasting or drilling method with a row distance of 20cm. However, in transplanted crop practices for multi-cut varieties, the land is prepared by making trenches of 50cm and convenient length. Seeds are sown and transplanted after 20-22 days of sowing. Then the seedlings are planted with 20X15 cm spacing follows immediate light irrigation.
Bittergourd Farming – Package of Practices
Nutrient management in Amaranthus Farming: Amaranthus is a high yielding crop and heavy feeder. Application of 25 t of FYM / ha at the time of the last ploughing. 50 kg of Nitrogen, 50 kg of Phosphorus, 20 kg of Potassium is applied as a basal dose. Another dose of 50 kg of N application at regular intervals as topdressing. Spray 1% urea or diluted cow urine immediately after each harvest to increase the further growth of the yield.
Water management in Amaranthus Farming: Amaranthus grown for grain crop requires light irrigation whereas grown for leaf purposes requires frequent irrigation. Immediately after sowing, the first irrigation is given.The irrigation is given at three to five days intervals. Moisture should be well maintained at the root zone, to promote rapid root development.
Weed management in Amaranthus
Natural weed control in Amaranthus: It is necessary to keep the crop weed-free during its initial stages of growth. It can be obtained by planting cowpea as an intercrop to control weeds. One to two hand weeding at subsequent intervals based on weed intensity is necessary.
Chemical weed control in Amaranthus: For control of weeds, pre-emergence application of diuron 1.5 kg/ha or oxyfluorfen 0.2 kg/ha is recommended or post-emergence of glyphosate 0.4 kg/ ha is recommended.
Crop protection stratagies in Amaranthus Farming
Insect Management in Amaranthus:
Amaranthus weevil (Hypolixus truncatulus)
Signs/ symptoms of insect pest: It leads to irregular zig-zag tunnels formation in the pith region. In advanced damage, gall like formation and longitudinal splitting of the stem along with suppression of root and leaf production is noticed.
Chemical control: Spraying of malathion 50 EC 2 ml/lit per hectare after the leaf harvest.
Natural/biological control of insect pest: Collection and destruction of wild Amaranthus host nearer to the cultivated crop. Collection and destruction of damaged plant parts with grubs and adults.
Leaf eating caterpillar of Amaranthus (Hymenia recurvalis)
Signs/ symptoms of insect pest: The larvae web the leaves and feed inside it. Webbed leaves show drying up and fall off.
Chemical control: Spraying of malathion 50 EC 1 ml/ lit is recommended.
Natural/biological control of insect pest: Collection and destruction of affected parts along with caterpillar. Installation of light traps 1/ha is also advisable.
Leaf Webber of Amaranthus (Psara basalis)
Signs/ symptoms of insect pest: The larvae web the leaves with its silken threads and feed inside.
Chemical control: Spraying of malathion 50 EC 1 ml/ lit is recommended.
Natural/biological control of insect pest: Collection and destruction of affected parts along with caterpillar. Installation of light traps 1/ha is also advisable.
Disease Management in Amaranthus:
White rust of Amaranthus:
Causal organism: Albugo candida
Signs/ symptoms of the diseases: The appearance of whitish colour with irregular spots on leaves of Amaranthus.
Chemical control: A spray ofCarbendazim @ 1 g/l of water is recommended.
Natural/ organic control of disease: Avoid splash irrigation to crops. Grow resistant variety like Co 1.
Maturity indices of Amaranthus:
Harvesting of crop takes place when it reaches 25-30 cm height. Fully grown and completely expanded leaves are harvested.
Harvesting and Yield of Amaranthus:
Harvesting of Amaranthus: The crops can be pulled out completely after 25 days of sowing. It also extends up to 90 days in multi-cut varieties. Amaranthus can also be harvested by cutting the top portion by which four to six cuttings are practised. It is generally harvested in the morning hours. The harvested crop is immediately sent to the market.
Yield of Amaranthus: It yields about 10 to 15 tons per hectare depending upon the climatic conditions, variety, and management practices.
Post-harvest management of Amaranthus:
The harvested leaf bunches are put in wooden boxes are taken to distant markets within s few hours. Under cold conditions, Amaranthus can be stored for 10 to 15 days at90-95% relative humidity.
Economics of Amaranthus/ Cost and Profits in Amaranthus Farming:
Cost of cultivation : Rs. 36, 960 /ac
Income : Rs. 1, 10,000/ac
Net return/ profit : Rs. 73, 040/ac
Beetroot Farming – Package of Practices
Summary of Amaranthus Farming Package of Practices: It is a highly profitable crop with high net returns. The farmer takes 2-3 crops in one year. It suits well for crop rotation because of its short duration and high yield.